asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware of the recent deaths of hundreds of fully grown brown trout in the Little Brosna river between Roscrea and Sharavogue Bridge (on the road between Birr and Shinrone) which were caused by pollution in the water; and that an expensive restocking programme being carried out by the Inland Fisheries Trust in this river has been regularly disrupted over the past eight years by pollution; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy the situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Offaly River Pollution.
46.
I am aware of a recent incident in which a small number of brown trout were found dead in the Little Brosna river in the vicinity of Birr.
I am also aware that the Inland Fisheries Trust has been carrying out successive restocking measures in that river and that recurrent incidents of pollution of varying intensity have occurred.
The protection of fish-bearing waters is the responsibility of the local board of conservators — in this instance the Limerick Board — to whom the matter has been referred with a view to suitable remedial action.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary be in a position to state what caused the deaths of these fish?
No, I am not in a position to say with certainty what caused them but a certain source is suspect.
With the resources of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries at the Parliamentary Secretary's disposal would he not think it possible to find out what has happened in this instance and also all down the years? Back in 1962 over 40,000 trout died in that river. There has been an extensive restocking of trout there recently but the work of the Inland Fisheries Trust is being set at nought because of this occurrence. This has been happening regularly.
I am sure the Deputy is aware that steps were taken to eliminate the suspected sources of the pollution.
What steps were taken?
They were taken by the Roscrea Council.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary prepared to give an assurance to the House in regard to this matter? This is one of the most famous trout rivers in Ireland and it is a tourist attraction. If this is allowed to continue it will lose its good name, and, as well, there is a danger that the trout will be wiped out.
I assure the Deputy the matter is in hands.