South Kilkenny quarry pollution
Crotty asked about water and air pollution from slate quarries. Connolly said pollution investigations fall to local authorities and described a proposed replacement waste-disposal site; he would not intervene while the matter was before An Bord Pleanála. Griffin sought stringent conditions, followed by a procedural intervention from the Chair.
asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware of the pollution caused to water and air in the slate quarries area of South Kilkenny; and if he intends to take any action to have this pollution discontinued.
Comment on this
The investigation of instances of pollution and any necessary remedial action is a matter for the local authority in whose area the incident occurs. I understand that some problems have arisen in the past from the use by an industrial firm over many years of an old state quarry on the Kilkenny-Waterford border as a waste disposal site, that this quarry has recently been filled up and that the firm have applied to Tipperary South Riding County Council for planning permission to use another quarry adjacent to the existing one. I am informed that the local authority has decided to grant permission subject to stringent conditions designed to prevent environmental pollution and that this decision is the subject of an appeal to An Bord Pleanála.
Comment on this
Is the Minister aware of the grave concern of residents in south Tipperary where it is proposed to site this dump? I should like an assurance from the Minister that the most stringent planning conditions will apply if it is to be put there.
