Jimmy Deenihan
Question:194 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has put in place an evaluation procedure for the REP scheme particularly in relation to water quality. [21145/97]
Written Answers. - Rural Environment Protection Scheme.
An evaluation process for REPS has been commenced. The evaluation will include an assessment of the socio-economic aspects as well as ecological changes. The assessment of water quality is primarily a matter for the Department of the Environment and Local Government and the Environmental Protection Agency which monitor trends in water quality. There are many diverse sources of water pollution. Such sources include domestic, sewage, industry and agriculture. In the case of seriously polluted rivers, agriculture is stated to account for 29 per cent of the suspected causes.
One of the objectives of REPS is to improve the quality of water resources by minimising nutrient losses from agriculture.