Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 10 Apr 1997

Vol. 477 No. 4

Written Answers. - Water Quality Report.

Tony Killeen

Question:

125 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for the Marine his views on the Environmental Protection Agency report on water quality in the Moyarta River at Carrigaholt, County Clare, further to his reply to Question No. 170 of 13 November 1996; the plans, if any, he has to protect the oyster beds in the bay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9467/97]

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Barrett)

I have noted the water quality report in question arising out of surveys completed in 1991-94 for the Moyarta River and others.

As the Deputy is no doubt aware local authorities have overall statutory responsibility for enforcing the provisions of the Water Pollution Acts and are empowered to require measures to be taken to prevent water pollution including pollution of the Moyarta River.

In addition the seven Regional Fisheries Boards, under the aegis of the Department, have statutory responsibilities with regard to the protection of fisheries within their region using powers provided under the Fisheries Acts, 1959 to 1995 and the Water Pollution Act, 1990. The boards also have an input, at planning stage, into developments which could affect fish or their habitat.

The water quality problems in the Moyarta River highlighted in the Environmental Protection Agency report are matters for investigation by Clare County Council in the first instance and the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board in so far as adverse impacts on fisheries are concerned.

Carrigaholt Bay has the highest water quality classification and remains listed as a Category "A" area under EC Directive 91/492 which lays down the health conditions for the production and placing on the market of live bivalve molluscs. Category "A" classification allows live bivalve molluscs, including oysters from the area, to be harvested for direct human consumption. The Department will continue to undertake regular sampling and analyses of molluse flesh from oysters cultivated in Carrigaholt Bay in accordance with the parameters laid down by EU Directive 91/492.