asked the Minister for the Marine the total number of incidents of pollution of rivers and lakes brought to the attention of his Department during the past 12 months which resulted in the death of fish; the total estimated number of fish killed as a result; the total cost of replenishing fish stocks as a result; if he has satisfied himself that anti-pollution measures are adequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pollution of Rivers and Lakes.
6.
Within the last 12 months a total of 66 fish kills resulting from pollution incidents were brought to the attention of my Department. The number of fish lost in each kill is not available. Consequently, it is not possible to quantify the total cost of replenishing fish stocks as a result of these incidents. Responsibility for anti-pollution measures rests primarily with the Minister for the Environment and the local authorities under the Local Government (Water Pollution) Act, 1977.
Protection of fishing waters from poisoning and pollution is provided under the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act, 1959, under which the regional fisheries boards usually take action against offenders.
I am satisfied that the anti-pollution measures are adequate. It must be said, however, that in many of the more serious incidents their occurrence cannot be foreseen.
I am sure the Minister of State is aware of the grave concern caused throughout the country by the many incidents of pollution occurring in our rivers and lakes. I am surprised there are no figures available of the numbers of fish killed or of the cost involved. Is the Minister aware of the effect this is having on our tourism and also on the rivers used for supplying water to many homes throughout the country? I know he has said the Minister for the Environment is responsible for the implementation of measures but surely the Minister present has a responsibility and I am sure has been in touch with his colleague, the Minister for the Environment. Can he say why no effective measures are being taken against polluters, many of whom have been well known for many years and have not been penalised? Can the Minister say if he and his colleague have discussed this matter and whether they have any measures in mind for dealing with this dreadful problem?
I share the Deputy's concern and realise the difficulties in replenishing stocks. I share his concern about the serious problems which have arisen many times in the past. Indeed, I thought the Deputy might have been referring to a recent fish kill. Legal proceedings have been taken in the past. It is my belief that the laws obtaining are adequate but it can be difficult at times to pinpoint an offender. There are penalties and fines, or provision for a term of imprisonment not exceeding six months which can be imposed at the discretion of the court but it can be very difficult to ascertain who are the offenders. Resulting from a news item last evening, which referred to a fish kill in the south between 7 and 8 May, the regional fisheries board there and the local authority are vigorously pursuing the matter and prosecutions are envisaged in this case.
I am delighted to hear from the Minister that this pollution incident is being pursued. I am sure he is aware of the fact that knowledge of such fish kills is spread throughout the world in angling and tourist journals and so on. Will the Minister say whether he has considered, in conjunction with his colleague, the Minister for the Environment and indeed also the Minister for Tourism and Transport, having discussions on this matter? As it has been going on for so many years throughout the country, I am sure he would agree it is imperative that the relevant Ministers ascertain how they can overcome this problem and impose more instant penalties on polluters.
I have met the Northern Regional Fisheries Board and the Minister for the Marine has met the Shannon Fisheries Board, when this was one item high on the agenda. We propose meeting the other regional fisheries boards in the country. Last week we had a meeting with the managers of all the boards here in Dublin when we discussed many aspects of inland fisheries, particularly that in relation to pollution. I would point out to Deputy MacGiolla that two of the regional fisheries boards, the northern and north western, recently inserted advertisements in local newspapers being circulated in their areas reminding farmers who were planning to make silage of the need to ensure that they have proper facilities for the disposal of effluent. I will take this opportunity of reminding farmers of the serious, detrimental consequences from such a spillage, whether minor or otherwise. One gallon of spillage is sufficient to affect 10,000 gallons of water.