Vol. 490 No. 5
65 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if the EU is threatening legal action against the Government for failure to adequately protect rivers and lakes from pollution, particularly from phosphates; the steps, if any, being taken to address the problems highlighted by the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10498/98]
The EU Commission issued a reasoned opinion to Ireland on 12 June 1997 in relation to Directive 76/464/EEC on pollution caused by certain dangerous substances discharged into the aquatic environment of the Community. Particular concern related to the establishment of pollution reduction programmes and the setting of emission limits based on quality objectives, particularly relating to phosphorus which is the nutrient primarily responsible for the eutrophication of rivers and lakes.
Issue of the reasoned opinion in this case coincided with the publication by my Department of the catchment-based strategy against eutrophication, entitled "Managing Ireland's Rivers and Lakes". Initial discussions on the strategy, which is now being implemented, have been held between the Commission and my Department and further more detailed discussions are shortly to be arranged.
