asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware of the increase in the number of fish which are being killed by pollution; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy this situation.
84.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Water Pollution.
83.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware of serious pollution allegations concerning Lake Garadice, Ballymannion, County Leitrim, in which some 10,000 fish have been recently killed; and what remedial and preventative measures are now being taken.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Question Nos. 83 and 84 together.
I am so aware. The anti-pollution provisions of the Fisheries Acts are being enforced by the Boards of Fishery Conservators with such assistance from my Department as is called for.
Overall responsibility for water resources, including control of pollution, lies with the Minister for Local Government; and representatives from my Department are actively concerned with the joint consultations organised under his aegis.
Steps are being taken to bring to the notice of all concerned the pollution risks that can arise from agricultural activities. A condition for obtaining grants under the farm buildings scheme operated by my Department ensures that satisfactory effluent precautions are adopted in the plans.