Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 146: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps being taken to ensure that a carcinogen (details supplied) does not enter the public water supply. [44531/08]

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 147: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the preliminary findings of the most recent study by a company (details supplied) which commenced during summer 2008 at the former steel plant site on Haulbowline Island, County Cork; when the final report from this study will be completed; if he will publish the report; and when he plans to bring a report on the matter to Government. [44532/08]

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 149: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of a chemical which has been found to date at a site (details supplied) in County Cork; the way he has addressed this matter to ensure there is no risk to public health or the environment. [44543/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 146, 147 and 149 together.

An environmental assessment of the current status of the Haulbowline site by consultants, White Young Green, and a peer review of it have been completed. My Department is currently examining the reports and the recommendations contained in them. Once this is completed I will make the reports publicly available. I will also then advise Government on the outcome and actions that may be necessary. I have no direct function in relation to the operation and management of drinking water supplies. Local authorities are responsible for ensuring that drinking water quality complies with mandatory standards, and public water supplies are monitored and supervised by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which has extensive powers of enforcement. Failure to comply with a direction by the EPA in relation to compliance with drinking water standards is subject to heavy penalties, including imprisonment.

The issue of waste materials from Haulbowline entering a public water supply does not arise. There are no groundwater abstractions on Haulbowline Island and water is supplied to the island via a mains supply. The limestone bedrock aquifer beneath the site is not in direct hydraulic connection with the overlying groundwater on the site, is influenced by seawater intrusion and is not of a potable standard.