HC Deb 21 April 1980 vol 983 cc72-4W
Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps are being taken to prevent the pollution of Strangford Lough.

Mr. Goodhart

[pursuant to his reply, 16 April 1980, c. 665]: Under the Water Act (Northern Ireland) 1972 the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland determines conditions for the discharge of effluents into Strangford Lough and monitors such discharges to ensure that conditions are met.

The Department's programme of capital works will continue to provide for improvement of the efficiency of sewage disposal works discharging effluent into the lough.

Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the ways in which his Department of Environment is seeking to deal with serious pollution to Lough Neagh.

Mr. Goodhart

[pursuant to his reply, 16 April 1980, c. 665]: Under the Water Act (Northern Ireland) 1972 the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland determines conditions for the discharge of effluents into Lough Neagh and monitors such discharges to ensure that conditions are met. The Department's programme of capital works will continue to provide for improvement of the efficiency of sewage disposal works discharging effluent into the lough.

Lough Neagh has also been subject to algal growth, caused by excess nutrients entering the Lough. A major programme of research has been undertaken and after trials at pilot plants, a special process is now being introduced at the 10 major sewage disposal works to reduce the amount of phosphorus entering the lough.

Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the steps taken to prevent serious pollution to Belfast Lough.

Mr. Goodhart

[pursuant to his reply, 16 April 1980, c. 665]: Under the Water Act (Northern Ireland) 1972 the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland determines conditions for discharge of effluents into Belfast Lough and monitors such discharges to ensure that conditions are met. A new sewage disposal works at Kinnegar, together with continual improvements to the Belfast storm overflow systems to the Lagan and its tributaries, have improved the quality of water.

Monitoring of Belfast Lough will continue and in particular, a study of the sludge disposal area at the mouth of the lough and a survey of the water quality off the North Down beaches are being undertaken this summer.