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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 6 Dec 2001

Vol. 546 No. 1

Written Answers. - Water Pollution.

Tom Hayes

Question:

53 Mr. T. Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when he will designate the drainage areas of all major rivers as nitrate vulnerable zones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31096/01]

Directive 91/676/EEC, the Nitrates Directive, has the objectives of reducing water pollution induced by nitrates from agricultural sources and preventing further such pollution, with the primary emphasis being on the management of manures and other fertilisers. The directive requires member states to establish a code of practice for farmers, carry out monitoring of nitrate levels in waters and develop and implement action programmes to reduce and prevent pollution of waters by nitrates. These action programmes must be implemented in relation to the whole territory of the member state or to areas designated by the member state as vulnerable zones, that is, areas where waters are significantly affected by nitrates from agriculture.

A number of areas in five counties, Carlow, Cork, Kerry, Louth and Waterford, have been identified as appropriate for designation as nitrate vulnerable zones on the basis of affected groundwaters. Further consideration is being given by an expert panel to the full extent of areas, by reference to surface waters and groundwaters, to which appropriate action programmes should be applied. The panel comprises officials of my Department, the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Geological Survey of Ireland and Teagasc. I will shortly finalise proposals as to the areas to which the directive will be applied.

Question No. 54 answered with Question No. 11.

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