Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 26 Mar 2002

Vol. 551 No. 2

Written Answers. - Water Pollution.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

75 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the steps being taken to deal with the serious pollution levels in Irish lakes which is leading to a collapse of fish stocks in some cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9916/02]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Fahey)

The Environmental Protection Agency has recently published its report on water quality in Ireland from 1998 to 2000. In the case of rivers, the report shows a reversal in the trends of slight and moderate pollution and a slight reduction in serious pollution generally. Modest improvement in the water quality status of our lakes has also been noted. The report notes that it is felt that the wider range of catchment management techniques that have been implemented in the recent past may be responsible for this improvement.

I am encouraged to note the improvements reported by the EPA. However, pollution remains the most serious threat to fish stocks. Under the National Development Plan, over €3 billion has been provided for water and waste water treatment which is providing the essential infrastructure to deliver on the water quality objective.

The success of our pollution prevention strategies critically depends on all relevant Departments, agencies, farming, angling and other groups working effectively together. The environmental catchment management process has already paid dividends. I am also working with ministerial colleagues to ensure enhanced cross-departmental co-operation under the EU Water Framework Directive, the implementation of which is primarily the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for the Environment and Local Government.