Michael Creed
Question:73 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if his Department has studied the impact of excess afforestation on water quality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4418/98]
Written Answers - Impact of Afforestation on Water Quality.
The forest service of my Department grant aided a study on the effects of stream hydrology and water quality in forested catchments on fish and invertebrates. This study, known as the Aquafor Report, was carried out by UCD, UCC, and TCD in collaboration with the forestry sector and fisheries interests in Cork, Galway and Wicklow and was published in 1997.
The study highlighted the interactions between plantation forestry and aquatic ecology some of which were negative, particularly in some of the most acid sensitive regions in the country. However, the study concluded that it would be wrong to extrapolate from these areas to the whole country, or to conclude that forestry, as a whole, has a net negative effect on aquatic ecology. It is important also to point out that the Aquafor study was carried out entirely on forests which were established long before the current guidelines on forestry and fisheries were introduced in 1992. These guidelines are currently being reviewed and will take cognisance of the findings of the Aquafor study. My Department also supports an ongoing research programme undertaken by Coillte into the effect of water on forest operational activities, covering such aspects as siltation and fertiliser application.