asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in some instances effluent from silage pits is flowing onto the public road system which poses difficulties for local authorities as the present law on this matter is unclear and contains no specific measures or sections which can directly deal with it; if this matter has already been brought to the attention of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Silage Effluent.
137.
Instances where silage effluent has flowed on to public roads have come to the notice of my Department. I appreciate that this may result in inconvenience or nuisance to road users and pedestrians and that the effluent could enter waters and cause pollution. There is adequate provision under the Local Government (Water Pollution) Act, 1977, to deal with any such pollution incidents and to have appropriate measures taken to ensure that the escape of effluent ceases. In addition, local authorities have a general duty to maintain public roads and this would include the cleaning of roads in the interests of traffic. Sanitary authorities also have power to deal with any nuisance which may arise from the escape of this effluent.