HC Deb 26 May 1908 vol 189 cc919-20
MR. REDDY (King's County, Birr)

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he will say whether the Local Government Board has received representations protesting against the pollution of the River Ballybritt, in County Tipperary; is he aware that a large population in this district are solely dependent for their water supply for domestic purposes on this river; and, in view of the danger to the health of the people residing in this district and the damage already done to the fish in the river, will steps be at once taken to fully enforce the provisions of the Public Health (Ireland) Acts against the persons who are openly and maliciously causing this nuisance and danger to their neighbours. (Answered by Mr. Birrell.) The Local Government Board have received complaints to the effect stated, and the local medical officer of health has reported that a number of families are dependent for water on the river in question. It appears that the pollution of the river arises from sheep dipping, and the Board have been advised that pollution of this character is not covered by any of the Acts under which the sanitary authority can proceed. It is, however, open to the persons concerned to take legal proceedings for their own protection.