Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 205: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the dangers of unregulated drilling of boreholes for private and public water schemes; and his views on producing statutory regulations or comprehensive guidelines concerning the drilling industry and groundwater abstraction which require specific standards of construction including materials, well testing and sealing of abandoned wells. [19200/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

A large number of boreholes are drilled every year in Ireland to provide water supplies for private and public water schemes. Such groundwater accounts nationally for about 25% of our water supplies and in some counties this percentage exceeds 80%. Drilling of water boreholes is not regulated and it is important that the services of reputable drilling contractors and geological expertise are employed. The Institute of Geologists of Ireland, the professional body for geologists in Ireland, has developed a set of guidelines for the industry. The Geological Survey of Ireland, a division of my Department, assisted with these guidelines. I understand they will be distributed shortly and I look forward to seeing them in due course. The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is responsible for water quality and it would be a matter for him to decide if statutory regulations in respect of the drilling of groundwater boreholes are necessary.

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 206: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will review the state of the records of boreholes here and take whatever measures are necessary to ensure drillers and consultants logs are provided to the Geological Service of Ireland for all boreholes completed. [19201/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) maintains extensive databases, including some which contain borehole records. Boreholes are drilled for a variety of reasons, including water supply, geotechnical investigations (for construction), exploration and geological investigation. Exploration borehole logs are submitted to my Department under the Minerals Development Acts. Records for other activity are lodged with GSI largely on a voluntary basis as far as third parties are concerned. It is intended to bring forward legislation in relation to the functions of GSI, when matters relating to its future status have been resolved. The question of providing a firm basis for the acquisition of borehole and other records from third parties will be considered in that context in due course.