Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Jul 1990

Vol. 401 No. 4

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

211 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment the progress which has been monitored on a pilot deflater system being implemented by EOLAS; and on the slurry management plans which have been developed in the catchment of Lough Sheelin, Derravarragh and the River Inny in County Cavan.

Written Answers. - Waste Recycling.

John V. Farrelly

Question:

212 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for the Environment if he will outline the grants which are available towards the recycling of waste materials in the farming industry; the amounts of these grants; the terms thereof and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment (Miss Harney)

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 211 and 212 together.

I would refer the Deputies to the reply given by the Minister for Industry and Commerce to Question No. 114 of 6 February, 1990 for information on the pilot digestor project being developed in the Lough Sheelin area. No grants are available from my Department for the recycling of farm wastes.

Slurry management plans for the major pig producers in the Lough Sheelin and Inny Catchments have been in place for some years.

They provide an important management tool to regulate the timing of slurry spreading and the quantities involved so as to minimise the risk of water pollution.

Cavan County Council has availed of its powers under the Water Pollution Act, 1977, to give statutory backing to appropriate pollution controls, including the limitations on slurry spreading contained in the pig slurry management plants. 245 notices under the Act have been served on pig and cattle producers in the Sheeling Catchment. Spreading of pig slurry is prohibited between 1 November and 28 February and is restricted during October and March.

The latest water quality results for Lough Sheelin show that the lake is continuing to improve. Central Fisheries Board reports indicate that the condition of the lake over last winter and spring was better than at any time since 1970-71. The water clarity in June of this year at 3.2 million was significantly improved on the reading of 1.6 million recorded in June 1989. This should allow sufficient light penetration to encourage the germination and growth of charophyte spores. The growth of these rooted plants should be beneficial for both fish life and water quality in Lough Sheelin.

The Lough Derravarragh Catchment falls mainly within the administrative area of Westmeath County Council. That council is at present finalising a report on the condition of the lake, which, I understand, will show that Lough Sheelin and the Upper Inny account for the greater portion of the nutrient inputs to the lake. Measures being taken to combat pollution in the area include a survey of approximately 200 farms in the Derravarragh Catchment completed just six months ago. The 13 farms found to be in the "high risk" category will be followed up to ensure that proper pollution control measures are carried out. An initial survey of 150-200 farms is ongoing in the North Inny Catchment.