asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he considers that the salmon stocks in the River Liffey are being affected by pollution of the water; and, if so, the remedial measures planned.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Liffey Salmon Stocks.
27.
Whilst salmon may find it difficult, due to pollution and consequent low oxygen content of the water of the River Liffey, to move up river from the estuary at times of low tide, they are able to do so in suitable flow conditions. There is no conclusive evidence that they are otherwise affected by pollution. The Dublin Board of Conservators is responsible for the protection of salmon stocks in the Liffey and it takes suitable action under the provisions of the Fisheries Acts regarding pollution whenever the necessary evidence can be adduced.
The planning and taking of remedial measures are, of course, matters for agencies, other than my Department, with responsibility for securing a due standard of water quality in the river. It is understood that certain of these agencies are at present engaged in conducting a survey of the River Liffey and Dublin Bay with such purposes in view.
The Deputy will also be aware from the opening speech of my colleague, the Minister for Local Government on the Estimates for his Department that a number of local authority drainage projects, et cetera, will also make a major contribution towards the elimination of pollution in the Liffey and other Dublin rivers. Official Report 20th June, 1972, column 1854 refers.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the Liffey is a disgrace, and that the stench coming from the Liffey is a disgrace, and that it would pollute tourists and people coming into the city, never mind salmon. It should be cleaned up immediately.
As I said in my reply, a survey is being conducted at present——
It needs to be cleaned, not surveyed.
——of the River Liffey and Dublin Bay.
If we had a bucket of it in here the Parliamentary Secretary would not be standing there.
As a result of the survey we will have some documentary evidence of the amount of pollution there is, rather than having statements made here in the House.
Anyone with a nose can identify it.
I know that the Parliamentary Secretary comes from the salubrious air of Tipperary south. I agree with my colleague from Longford-Westmeath that this year Anna Livia is more malodorous than usual. Are the survey group aware of the condition of Anna Livia in this year of grace 1972 and, apart from the survivors of the Liffey salmon, are they aware that pollution in the Dublin area has now become a matter of moment for the human inhabitants of the area? We would call for a certain amount of urgency on the part of the survey group. Has the Parliamentary Secretary absorbed all of that?
Has the Parliamentary Secretary the figure for the amount of salmon caught in the Liffey in the past four or five years?
Have their entrails been examined?
Has the figure declined and at what rate?
That is a separate question. If the Deputy puts down a question I will have the reply for him.
Has the Parliamentary Secretary any idea? Would he agree that the figure has been declining rapidly?
I would not agree.
Coming from Tipperary the Parliamentary Secretary would not know.
When we see the report of the survey team we will have reliable information.
When may we expect that report?