§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
What plans they have to deal with the unsightly nature of, and any health risk posed by, the section of the Connswater River between the Newtownards Road and Belfast Lough in East Belfast. [HL949]
§ The Lord Privy Seal (Lord Williams of Mostyn)The removal of large items of litter such as shopping trolleys is the responsibility of the owner of the property through which the river flows. If the debris were restricting the flow, it would be a matter for the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development's Rivers Agency, as the body responsible for maintenance of the Connswater River as a drainage channel.
With regard to sewage-related litter from sewage overflows into the river, the Department of the Environment's Environment & Heritage Service (EHS) is at present in discussion with the Water Service of the Department for Regional Development to undertake a detailed pollution management study for the area associated with the Connswater River, based on the previously completed Drainage Area Plan. This work will examine the sewage collections system in tile Connswater area, as well as how sewage is treated, and will identify potential solutions to control discharges of storm sewage and problems with sewage related litter in the Connswater River.