asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state if representations have been made to him from the Bandon Fishery Conservators, amongst others, to the effect that hundreds of thousands of salmon fry are poisoned in the Bandon River every season by pollution from flax ponds; and, if so, if he will devise a scheme by which the efflux from these ponds can be rendered innocuous, or, alternatively, ensure that they are constructed in such a manner that the efflux can be diverted so effectively as not to contaminate any streams or tributaries of the Bandon River.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pollution of Bandon River.
I have received representations from the Bandon Board of Conservators and others as to fish mortality resulting from the discharge of effluent from flax ponds into the Bandon River. There is no practicable method known to my Department whereby such effluent can be rendered harmless to fish life, and, as conditions of soil and situation vary with the location of ponds, no measures which will be universally applicable can be devised to obviate pollution from such sources. An inspector of fisheries some time ago inspected flax ponds in Bandon district and suggested certain safeguards in some cases, while in others he made it clear that the continued use of particular ponds was not permissible. The advice of the fisheries staff will likewise be at the disposal of the conservators in any further cases that may be brought to my notice. Nothing which is practicable and within the resources of my Department will be left undone to prevent pollution of fishing waters from flax ponds.