Vol. 494 No. 4
334 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has received reasoned opinion from the European Union DG11 on the subject of overgrazing, which is a major contributory factor in the contamination of many water supplies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18275/98]
A reasoned opinion was served by the European Commission on Ireland on 8 April 1998 in relation to overgrazing. The reasoned opinion related to the effect of overgrazing on the conservation of wild birds, in respect of the red grouse, and the conservation of natural habitats and or flora and fauna, in respect of the Owen-duff-Nephin Beg Complex special protection area. Responsiblity at ministerial level for these matters lies with the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands. A comprehensive reply to the reasoned opinion was sent to the Commission on 1 September 1998.
I refer the Deputy to the reply to Question No. 115 on 6 May 1998 which outlined the measures being taken by the Minister for Agriculture and Food and the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands to address the question of overgrazing.
Overgrazing can be a significant factor in the deterioration of water quality; where soil cover is eroded, high rainfall may wash fine silt and other suspended matter into water. Sheep faeces are also a factor in bacteriological contamination of raw water. I also refer the Deputy to the reply to Question No. 225 of 6 May 1998 in relation to the measures being taken by my Department and others to address problems of contamination in water supplies.
