Vol. 547 No. 4
35 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he has set up a meeting between his Department, the Department of the Environment and Local Government, the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development and the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands to ascertain the best manner in which to tackle the pollution problems in the Carra-Mask catchment area. [1153/02]
37 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he proposes meeting with local interest groups (details supplied) to consider the best manner in which to tackle the pollution problems in the Carra-Mask catchment area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1154/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 35 and 37 together.
I can confirm that I have invited my ministerial colleagues in question, together with senior departmental officials, to a meeting to review water pollution strategies for fisheries catchments. The purpose of the meeting is to further enhance cross-departmental and agency co-operation in addressing the water quality challenge. The health of our fish stocks is a key barometer for water quality and fisheries interests are at the forefront in highlighting environmental threats to our river and lake catchments. The ministerial meeting will also review the potential for new joint initiatives between our Departments and agencies, working with local interest groups, to address catchment specific problems such as those in the Carra-Mask.
To inform this initiative I have also requested the Western Regional Fisheries Board to convene a meeting of all relevant parties to discuss and advise on particular concerns relating to Carra-Mask catchment. The objective in bringing together the local authorities, Teagasc, Dúchas, farming representatives and angling groups is to identify practical actions to tackle specific pollution problems in the catchment which can be progressed at local level. I am committed to ensuring that the collective effort to address the pollution threats to our inland fisheries is intensified and supported at all levels.
