asked the Minister for the Marine if he will outline with respect to each river system (1) the number of fish kills that have occurred in 1986 and up-to-date in 1987, (2) the approximate numbers of fish that were killed, (3) the cause of the river pollution, (4) the person, persons, companies or Local Authorities who directly, or indirectly, caused the pollution and (5) the legal action, if any, that has been taken by the authorities of the State against such person/persons/company or local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - River Pollution.
161.
Based on information received from the Regional Fisheries Boards 59 fish kills occurred during 1986, and 108 have occurred to date in 1987. The number of fish lost in each kill is not available.
In 1986 87 per cent of the fish kills were due to agricultural sources, 11 per cent were due to industrial sources and 2 per cent were due to local authority sources.
As legal action is pending or may be taken in respect of some of the fish kills it is not appropriate to indicate who caused the pollution in all cases.