asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he has received reports concerning the dumping of chicken offal or silage in Irish rivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - River Pollution.
3.
I have not received any recent reports of the nature referred to by the Deputy. However, I understand that where cases of river pollution by silage effluent or other causes have been brought to the attention of the Boards of Fishery Conservators — which are primarily concerned in these matters—they have been investigated and that legal proceedings by the boards are pending or are being considered at present in relation to some of the cases.
In giving grants under the farm buildings scheme my Department by advising about the siting of structures including silos and subsidised storage facilities take positive action to ensure that effluent does not cause water or river pollution. Advice about the handling and disposal of farmyard waste and sewage is also given to the farming community by this Department's local officers and by means of the Department's Leaflet No. 142 on "Farmyard Sewage".