Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Nov 1999

Vol. 509 No. 6

Written Answers. - Environmental Protection.

Martin Brady

Question:

251 Mr. M. Brady asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the controls in place in relation to burning of stubble by farmers which can be both environmentally injurious and a serious source of air pollution in areas adjacent to towns, villages and city suburbs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21572/99]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

Control of air pollution and the protection of the environment are not, generally speaking, matters for my Department in the first instance. However, farmers participating in the rural environmental protection scheme who are engaged in tillage are required not to burn straw or stubble.