--- title: Devlin calls for a national programme to test for the presence of polio in wastewater description: Wastewater testing image: https://www.fiannafail.ie/hubfs/PR_CormacDevlin-1.jpg --- [ Join ](https://www.fiannafail.ie/join-fianna-fail) [ Donate Now ](https://www.fiannafail.ie/donate-now) Search website: ** Search # Devlin calls for a national programme to test for the presence of polio in wastewater Published on: 05 July 2022 By way of Parliamentary Question, Fianna Fáil TD for Dún Laoghaire, Cormac Devlin, recently asked the Minister for Health if public health authorities' sample for the presence of the polio virus in wastewater.   Deputy Devlin raised this matter after reports emerged that public health officials in the UK found evidence of community transmission of poliovirus for the first time, following routine testing.   Deputy Devlin said, "Currently, there is no national wastewater surveillance for enterovirus, including polio virus.   "However, I understand that following the recently introduced national wastewater surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 there are discussions about including enterovirus surveillance (including poliovirus) in the future.   "While the numbers of wild poliovirus detected in London were small, they are rising and international travel is adding to the risk factor.   "I am calling on my colleagues in Government to consider establishing a national testing programme, without delay, which could prove vital in preventing potential future outbreaks.''   **-ENDS- ** Tags: [Cormac Devlin](https://www.fiannafail.ie/news/tag/cormac-devlin) --- ## **Related news:** [![Clifford-Lee calls on Irish Rail to provide e-scooter storage as ban takes effect](https://www.fiannafail.ie/hubfs/PR_Lorraine_Clifford_Lee.png)](https://www.fiannafail.ie/news/clifford-lee-calls-on-irish-rail-to-provide-e-scooter-storage-as-ban-takes-effect) October 8, 2024 --- ##### [Clifford-Lee calls on Irish Rail to provide e-scooter storage as ban takes effect](https://www.fiannafail.ie/news/clifford-lee-calls-on-irish-rail-to-provide-e-scooter-storage-as-ban-takes-effect) [![](https://www.fiannafail.ie/hubfs/fianna-theme/icons/arrow-next.svg) ](https://www.fiannafail.ie/news/clifford-lee-calls-on-irish-rail-to-provide-e-scooter-storage-as-ban-takes-effect) April 26, 2021 --- ##### [Airlines must treat customers fairly and offer full refunds – Devlin](https://www.fiannafail.ie/news/airlines-must-treat-customers-fairly-and-offer-full-refunds-devlin) [![](https://www.fiannafail.ie/hubfs/fianna-theme/icons/arrow-next.svg) ](https://www.fiannafail.ie/news/airlines-must-treat-customers-fairly-and-offer-full-refunds-devlin) April 26, 2021 --- ##### [Taxsaver Commuter Scheme must be amended to help struggling commuters – Devlin](https://www.fiannafail.ie/news/taxsaver-commuter-scheme-must-be-amended-to-help-struggling-commuters-devlin) [![](https://www.fiannafail.ie/hubfs/fianna-theme/icons/arrow-next.svg) ](https://www.fiannafail.ie/news/taxsaver-commuter-scheme-must-be-amended-to-help-struggling-commuters-devlin) April 26, 2021 --- ##### [Devlin welcomes news that annual commuter ticket holders to get refunds](https://www.fiannafail.ie/news/devlin-welcomes-news-that-annual-commuter-ticket-holders-to-get-refunds) [![](https://www.fiannafail.ie/hubfs/fianna-theme/icons/arrow-next.svg) ](https://www.fiannafail.ie/news/devlin-welcomes-news-that-annual-commuter-ticket-holders-to-get-refunds)