asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that a large amount of silt from bog drainage in Counties Kildare and Westmeath is destroying the salmon beds in the upper reaches of the Boyne and its tributaries, and whether, in view of the serious loss of fish thus caused, he will make representations to Bord na Móna to take immediate action to prevent bog silt from reaching the rivers in question.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pollution of Louth Rivers.
asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he has received a complaint from Drogheda Fishery Board of Conservators concerning serious pollution of the Boyne, Yellow River and Mongagh River, and, if so, what action he proposes to take in the matter.
With your permission, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, I propose to deal with Questions Nos. 16 and 17 together.
Complaints regarding pollution of the River Boyne and its tributaries by effluents from bog drainage works being carried out by Bord na Móna have been received by my Department. The position of the board in regard to the Fisheries Acts is set out in Section 27 of the Turf Development Act, 1946, and the general question of safeguarding the fisheries against damage has been for some time the subject of discussions between officials of Bord na Móna and of my Department. Precautions against pollution have been taken as a result and in the particular case of the Boyne the board has recently intimated its intention to take further precautions in the interests of the fisheries.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that in the upper reaches of the Boyne and its tributaries, this bog silt is causing a serious loss of fish and that urgent action is needed to deal with the situation.
I can assure the Deputy I have asked Bord na Móna to take every possible precaution.