asked the Minister for the Environment the pollution situation in relation to the main rivers.
Written Answers - River Pollution.
345.
A total of 6,928 kms. of river and stream channel has been the subject of biological surveys by An Foras Forbartha in recent years. Of this, 5,784 kms., may be categorised as streams (length less than 16 km.) and small rivers (length less than 40 km.). The water quality position in respect of the remaining 1,144 kms. representing medium, large and very large rivers was as follows:—
Quality Status of Surveyed Length
|
River Size Classification (based on distance from source) |
No Pollution |
Slight to Moderate Pollution |
Serious Pollution |
Totals |
|
km. |
km. |
km. |
km. |
|
|
Medium Rivers (40-80 kms.) |
636.0 |
67.3 |
10.9 |
714.2 |
|
Large Rivers (80-130 kms.) |
246.5 |
80.5 |
1.7 |
328.7 |
|
Very Large Rivers (130 km. +) |
98.5 |
3.0 |
Nil |
101.5 |
|
Totals (percentage) |
981.0 (86) |
150.8 (13) |
12.6 (1) |
1,144.4 |
The incidence of serious pollution occurred on stretches of the following main rivers: Avoca, Barrow, Feale and Moy.
Slight to moderate pollution occurred on stretches of the following main rivers: Boyne, Dee, Liffey, Barrow, Nore, Slaney, Suir, Awbeg, Bandon, Blackwater (Munster), Deel, Feale, Brosna, Inny, Suck, Clare, Moy, Owenmore (Mayo), Annalee, Erne.