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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 11 Dec 2002

Vol. 559 No. 2

Written Answers. - Farm Waste Management.

Liz McManus

Question:

97 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his views on the Three Rivers Project final report which found that agriculture contributes about 60% of phosphorus pollution in the Boyne, Liffey and Suir river catchments; the steps he is taking to reduce environmental pollution as a result of agricultural activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25767/02]

My Department is examining in detail the final report of the Three Rivers Project for the establishment of water quality monitoring and management systems for the rivers Boyne, Liffey and Suir, which was published on November 29.

I give high priority to the protection and enhancement of the environment through the promotion of environmentally friendly and sustainable systems of agriculture and food production. Environmental requirements are now applicable to various schemes operated under EU Council Regulations 1257/99 and 1259/99 and the obligations on farmers participating in these schemes are set out in the booklet, Good Farming Practice, which was distributed to all farmers in August 2001. In effect, the great majority of farmers are now covered by the provisions of Good Farming Practice which is mandatory for all farmers in receipt of aid under compensatory allowances, on-farm investment schemes, livestock premia schemes, arable aid and the rural environment protection scheme. It also applies to farming transferees under the early retirement scheme.
The farm waste management scheme provides grant aid for the provision of on-farm pollution control facilities. The rural environment protection scheme, REPS, requires participants to implement nutrient management plans and has led to more effective use of fertilisers on participating farms. The widespread use of nutrient management planning, which requires a soil testing programme to determine the actual nutrient status of the soil, has helped to raise awareness amongst farmers of the importance of matching nutrient supply to crop demand.
In addition, I am encouraged by the findings of the recently published Environmental Protection Agency report, Water Quality in Ireland 1998-2000, which showed that for the first time since national surveys commenced the length of unpolluted river channel in Ireland had increased.
I recently announced a consultative process on the REPS which will include inputs from the various stakeholders. I expect that the Three Rivers Project report will be an important contribution to this work.
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