Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the steps he is taking to prevent the dumping of spoil for the next three years in Dublin Bay; if this action contravenes the OSPAR Convention 1998 of which Ireland is a signatory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3700/13]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The OSPAR Convention recognises the jurisdictional rights of States over the seas and the freedom of the High Seas, and, within this framework, works to prevent and eliminate marine pollution and to achieve sustainable management of the maritime area. Overall, the work of the OSPAR Commission is guided by the ecosystem approach to an integrated management of human activities in the marine environment. This is also a main element of the EU’s Water Framework and Marine Strategy Framework Directives. The essence of this approach is to allow sustainable exploitation of natural resources while maintaining the quality, structure and functioning of the marine ecosystems.

The dumping of spoil is regulated by the Dumping at Sea Acts. Since 15 February 2010, it is a function of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue Dumping at Sea permits under the Dumping at Sea Acts 1996 to 2010. In relation to specific dumping at sea applications, these are a matter for the Board of the EPA, and I have no function in the administration of the permits system.