Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 December 2023
281. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of pollution incidences that have occurred annually over the past ten years in forestry felling operations because of the use of urea for the treatment of conifer stumps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54322/23]
View answer282. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of pollution incidences that have occurred annually over the past ten years from herbicide or pesticide being applied on forestry land with a manual knapsack sprayer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54323/23]
View answer283. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine how many pollution incidences have occurred annually over the last ten years because of the application of fertiliser to forestry lands only; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54324/23]
View answer284. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of pollution incidence that have occurred annually over the past ten years because of the removal of temporary bridges on forestry harvesting sites only; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54325/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 281 to 284, inclusive, together.
My Department investigate all reports of forestry-related water pollution incidences and have a protocol for acute forest and water incidents.
This protocol is outlined in my Department’s document ‘Forests & Water – Achieving Objectives under Ireland’s River Basin Management Plan 2018-2021’
Incidents can arise where water is being directly impacted upon, or is under impending risk, due to forestry activities such as felling, afforestation, forest road works etc.
The protocol includes measures such as the deployment of emergency safeguards, water monitoring, engagement with professional expertise to oversee mitigation measures, and notification to relevant authorities, including partner organisations under the Water Framework Directive.
I am not aware of specific incidences of water pollution that have been notified to my Department that have been directly attributed to activities involving the removal of temporary bridges on harvesting sites, the application of fertiliser, the application of herbicides and pesticides, and the application of urea on to conifer stumps.
