Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Feb 1998

Vol. 487 No. 3

Written Answers. - Water Pollution.

Proinsias De Rossa

Question:

51 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will make a statement on the implementation of the programme of anti-water pollution measures announced after his meeting with farmer organisations on 21 August 1997. [3873/98]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Dr. Woods)

As the Deputy will be aware, I announced last August an action plan on pollution prevention and response strategies at both national and regional level to tackle fish kill incidents and damage to water quality as it affects fish stocks and freshwater fish habitats. The action plan is designed to ensure that the resources of the fisheries service and of all relevant agencies are deployed and mobilised to best effect to prevent pollution, deal with the causes of pollution and to act swiftly when pollution occurs.

I subsequently expanded on this initiative on 1 September when I endorsed a national fisheries catchment management strategy by giving the immediate go-ahead to six pilot fisheries catchment projects around the country. Under the pilot scheme local fisheries, tourism angling industry and farming interests are working together to plan catchment development strategies to improve water quality, prevent pollution and protect fish life. I had the opportunity last Saturday of assessing progress at first hand on the pilot project for the Barrow Catchment which confirms my view that local co-operation, empowerment and involvement is the way forward in tackling the many challenges facing the fisheries resource.

A key component of my water quality action plan was to address as quickly as possible the need for better farm practice to minimise the risk of agricultural pollution to fish stocks and habitats. I am pleased to report that the response of the farming organisations has been positive, constructive and responsible and that the IFA together with Teagasc launched a programme designed to guide and inform farmers on the need and scope for reduction in phosphate usage which will have consequent beneficial effects for water quality. I have requested the Central Fisheries Board for a detailed progress report on all aspects of implementation of the water quality action plan which I announced last August. I will advise the Deputy of the fully up to date position as soon as the Central Fisheries Board reports.