Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 May 2004
149 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he is concerned with the number of cruisers on the Shannon which have not complied with current waste disposal regulations and the effect on the Shannon eco-system; his views on the continued decline in water standards, resulting in declining fish stocks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13937/04]
View answerThe issues of waste disposal regulations and water quality are primarily a matter for my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The control of the operation of cruisers on inland waterways is a matter for Waterways Ireland, which is a North-South body established under the British Irish Agreement Acts.
I am aware that the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board, which is the competent authority for the inland fisheries resource of the Shannon catchment, has some concerns about the effect that cruisers on the Shannon may pose to the water quality in the river. The board advises me that they have raised this issue with the local authorities in the catchment and with the Shannon river basin district project with the aim of having the necessary facilities put in place so that cruisers can comply with the regulations referred to by the Deputy.
