Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Dec 1997

Vol. 483 No. 6

Written Answers. - Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Bernard Allen

Question:

189 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps, if any, he has taken to prevent the overuse of fertilisers which has led to the seasonal greening of many waterways, particularly in the County Cork area; and the educational programme, if any, which is being structured for farmers to bring about a cut in the amount of nitrates and phosphates spread on agricultural land. [21110/97]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

Water pollution can arise from many sources, domestic, industrial and agricultural and my colleague, the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, has overall responsibility in this regard.

Regarding the agricultural aspects, the rural environment protection scheme (REPS) is the main instrument in promoting better nutrient management by farmers which should result in considerable improvements in water quality. One of its more important measures is the requirement to prepare a waste management, liming and fertilisation plan for the farm. This measure is designed to protect and improve the quality of our water resources by minimising nutrient losses from agriculture. Over 30,000 farmers are now participating in the scheme of whom 2,041 are in Cork.

A code of good practice to protect waters from pollution by nitrates was published jointly in July 1996 by my Department and the Department of the Environment and Local Government. This code prescribes methods to prevent or minimise the pollution of waters from nitrates by adopting certain farm waste and nutrient management techniques in the storage of organic wastes, silage, dungstead and farmyard manure and soiled water. Such management has the double benefit of avoiding pollution and maximising the nutrient value of farm waste.

The national sustainable development strategy published by the Minister for the Environment and Local Government earlier this year sets down a target for a sizeable reduction in phosphate levels over the next five years.

The Waste Management Act, 1996, provides that local authorities may require landownersfarmers to provide a nutrient management plan setting nurient application rates to prevent water pollution.

The Government has introduced improved capital allowances for investment in pollution control facilities.

There is a strong emphasis in REPS on the training and education of participants and it is recommended that all participants attend training courses to help them meet the REPS requirements.

In general training and advice for farmers is provided by Teagasc.