A national survey finds significant pollution in almost a fifth of Irish rivers.
This study of river pollution levels was conducted by An Forbas Forbartha.
The survey says that one fifth of the rivers examined are polluted.
The worst pollution noted in the report was found at the River Camac near Clondalkin in Dublin. From Clondalkin until the Camac enters the River Liffey there is gross pollution which is largely responsible for the unsatisfactory condition of Dublin Bay.
One of the authors of the report, Dr Patrick Flanagan, says that river pollution in Ireland comes from a number of sources including agricultural waste, farm waste, sewage, or industrial waste. Dr Flanagan says that the purpose of the survey was to identify the problems. To identify the particular causes will require more work. The report shows that on some important rivers there are very badly polluted sections and Dr Flanagan says that this can not be tolerated.
Minister for Local Government Mr Robert Molloy has stated that he will introduce comprehensive air and water pollution legislation.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 20 April 1972. The reporter is Reg Cullen.
