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.