asked the Minister for Lands if complaints have been made to his Department that the waters of Lough Currane, Waterville, County Kerry are being polluted by the operation of a fish farm at the Comeragh River; and if he will take the necessary steps to ensure that an adequate filter will be erected to prevent any such pollution, particularly having regard to the importance of the fishing on Lough Currane as a tourist attraction.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pollution of Kerry Lake.
34.
I would refer the Deputy to the reply to a question on 18th February last in this matter.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that this is one of the finest fishing lakes in Europe and that this pollution is causing a lot of trouble there? Salmon are clean fish and they are leaving the lake. The pollution is caused by six tons or seven tons of feeding from the Danish fish farm, and the lake has been contaminated to such an extent that the fishing is deteriorating.
I think the Deputy's information is out of date. About six months ago I arranged a conference between the hotel owners concerned about the preservation of salmon stocks, representatives of the fish farm project and engineers of my own Department. They have agreed on certain measures in regard to preventing escapement and pollution from the fish farm. Appropriate screening devices were established some months ago with the agreement of the parties concerned and I have heard nothing from them since in the matter.