Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2004
94 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his position on the ongoing serious damage to the remaining fisheries at Lough Corrib and the Owenriff River in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31278/04]
View answerI am aware, through the Western Regional Fisheries Board, of the concerns held by local stakeholders about the decline in water quality and the impact on fisheries in Lough Corrib and the Owenriff River. I recently met a delegation from the Carra Mask Corrib Water Protection Group Limited, with my colleagues, the Ministers for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Agriculture and Food and Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, at which I heard the group's views on the causes and effects of the enrichment of these waters. I share the concerns expressed for the stocks of salmonids and freshwater pearl mussels and take confidence from the assurances given by the Ministers and the agencies operating under their aegis, to work in partnership with local interests to find practical and effective solutions to address the matter.
