Vol. 373 No. 2
asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the serious deterioration in the condition of Lough Sheelin as a trout lake with its related amenities for tourism and jobs, caused by the pollution of the lake from pig slurry; the action, if any, he proposes taking in order to ensure that the quality of the lake's water is restored; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
112.
asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the tourist industry centred on inland fishing in the area of Lough Sheelin, County Cavan, is now at serious risk as a result of the continued pollution of the lake; the proposals, if any he has to take any action to reverse the present disastrous situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 111 and 112 together.
I am aware that the condition of the lake has deteriorated recently and on the possible implications of this. The problem in the lake has historically been associated with the spreading of pig slurry and there is little doubt that this has been the major source of the nutrient load entering the lake and the adjoining streams. In 1986, Cavan County Council issued over 40 notices to pig producers under section 12 of the Local Government Water Pollution Act, 1977, banning slurry spreading during the winter months and restricting it during other periods. I understand that these notices were complied with but that there has been little improvement in the condition of the lake. The Lough Sheelin management committee has established a technical sub-committee which, with the assistance of the co-ordinator, is at present drafting slurry management plans for the major producers in the area. This will allow more systematic control of the nutrient inputs from this source.
A number of reasons have been put forward for the deterioration of the lake. The bad weather conditions during the summer months of 1985 and 1986 has been a contributory factor but does not appear to be the sole cause of the problem. I am considering what further investigations may be necessary to determine more precisely the causes of the recent decline in the condition of the lake and the additional measures which may be required to reverse the situation.
