asked the Minister for the Environment if the proposal to dump raw, untreated sewage into the Shannon Estuary at Kilrush is compatible with the objectives of environmental policy at national and EEC levels and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The existing sewerage scheme in Kilrush includes a treatment works which is overloaded. It is subject to back-pounding or flooding and discharges into an area of the harbour where the dilution is inadequate. The proposals on the new scheme are for the discharge of a comminuted sewage into a tidal storage tank at a suitably located sea outfall in the vicinity of Skagh Point. Comminution will aid oxidation and dispersal. The outfall pipe will be located 11 feet below low tide level and discharge will be on the ebb tide. This is an accepted method of disposal for coastal towns and the local authority's consulting engineer's investigations, including sea surveys, show that no offshore pollution should result or any contravention of the guidelines prepared by the Technical Committee on Effluent and Water Quality Standards.

I am advised that the proposals do not conflict with any objectives or principles of EEC environment policy as expressed in the action programme on the environment or with the requirements of any current directives on water quality.

I should state, however, that there is an appeal before An Bord Pleanála against the grant by Clare County Council of permission for the construction of the tidal tank and sea outfall and the decision on that matter will be enetirely one for An Bord Pleanála.