news release
    22nd December 2003

A demonstration by Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) was held in Brussels this morning to urge Environment Ministers from the EU to protect the health of recreational water users, provide tougher new water quality standards and provide the public with real time information when using Europe's beaches and inland waters. The current Directive is 27 years old and needs a radical overhaul if it is to protect the public's health from polluted water.

Ministers however failed to agree on the new legislation and the new Directive will be revisited at a future Environment Council meeting.

Environment Ministers were greeted by a delegation of surfers, windsurfers, divers and bodyboarders from leading campaigners Surfers Against Sewage (SAS). The delegation of recreational water users unveiled a huge banner urging Ministers to protect the health of all water users.

Richard Hardy, SAS Campaigns Director said: "We are disappointed that there has been no agreement today by Ministers but are hopeful the new Directive can be finalised before next year's European Elections. We will take immediate steps in urging the Irish government to put this legislation at the top of its environmental agenda when they take over the Presidency of Europe in the New Year".

For more information please contact Richard or Andy on Tel: 07711 767548.

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