asked the Minister for Local Government the cause of recent pollution of the River Tolka; and what steps are being taken to prevent a recurrence.

I understand from the sanitary authorities concerned that the cause of the recent pollution of the river Tolka could not be traced to any specific source. A temporary breakdown in a small automatic sewage pumping station at Corduff Bridge which is operated by the Dublin County Council may possibly have been a contributory factor at one stage. The necessary repairs to this plant were, however, carried out as expeditiously as possible.

In addition, I have been informed that action, under the Public Health Acts, to secure the abatement of nuisance has been taken by the sanitary authority against owners of property in a number of cases.