111 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the steps which are being taken to improve the quality of water at bathing places; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19711/01]

333 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if, in consultation with the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources, he will make the provision of sewage treatment plants at premier seaside tourist resorts a matter of top priority. [16289/01]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 111 and 333 together.

The report of the European Commission on the quality of bathing water for the 2000 bathing season, a copy of which is in the Oireachtas Library, confirms that Irish bathing waters are among the best in Europe in terms of water quality. This report indicates that 98.3% of Irish coastal bathing areas comply with the mandatory EU values and 91.7% comply with the stricter guide values. Local authorities are required to take the necessary measures to ensure compliance with the standards prescribed in relation to designated bathing waters by the Quality of Bathing Waters Regulations, 1992.

112 Mrs. Barnes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his views on whether the waste water treatment plant planned for Dublin Bay is sufficient; if tertiary treatment should be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19796/01]

Following a review of the trophic status of estuarine and coastal waters in Ireland by the Environmental Protection Agency, the Liffey estuary was recently designated as a sensitive water for the purposes of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive. The design of the Ringsend wastewater treatment works takes account of this status and the findings of the environmental studies carried out prior to and during the design phase of the project. The new works will provide primary, secondary and tertiary treatment of waste water. The tertiary treatment to be provided will consist of the removal of nitrogen from the treated sewage and final disinfection of the wastewater by ultra-violet light, which will eliminate bacteria. All elements of the Dublin Bay Project are now either under construction or at an advanced stage of planning.