asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the widespread concern throughout the country in relation to the increased number of fish kills to date this summer; the action he proposes to take to have these incidents reduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Fish Kills.
41.
It is a matter of concern to me that the number of fish kill incidents this year has increased, particularly after the success of the efforts made to reduce such incidents in 1988. I am aware that certain factors can be cited to explain, in part at least, some of this increase. These include low river flows due to the fine summer, and heightened public awareness which resulted in a greater level of reporting of incidents, including some involving only a few fish. In general, however, the experience this year serves only to reinforce the importance of pursuing the implementation of a comprehensive programme of measures to tackle all sources of pollution.
The emphasis already placed on education about pollution risks and appropriate safeguards, and the part played by official agencies and farming organisations in promoting awareness, have resulted in a significant reduction in the proportion of fish kills due to agricultural sources. The recent increase in the level of grants available for the provision of pollution control facilities on farms outside the disadvantaged areas should contribute to a further reduction in the number of pollution incidents from such sources.
The main element of the programme to control pollution which remains to be put in place is the enactment of legislation amending the Water Pollution Act, 1977, so as to strengthen the powers available to local authorities to prevent and deal with water pollution. The amending legislation will also provide for substantially increased penalties for water pollution offences, civil liability for pollution damages and remedial measures at the polluters expense. The Bill has already passed all stages in the Seanad and it is scheduled to come before the Dáil during the present session.