asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware of the serious oil spillage which took place on the salmon drift net area of Lough Foyle at Ardmore, Ture, and Three Trees during the week ended 13th October, 1973; if he has investigated this or any other similar occurrence of pollution and if he will state the results of such investigations; and, if no such investigation has taken place, if he will proceed immediately with one.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Oil Spillage.
148.
In the light of the additional information furnished by the Deputy since his previous question was tabled on the oil spillage in Lough Foyle I have had the matter further investigated. Inspectors of the Foyle Fisheries Commission have visited the localities mentioned but, apart from some markings of oil on the seaweed, they have failed to find any evidence of serious oil spillage having occurred in recent weeks. During the investigations local fishermen were consulted who stated that the incidence of oil patches appearing recently in Lough Foyle was, in their view, no greater or less than normal. Such spillages are of a minor nature and practically unavoidable in a commercial harbour.
Should an oil spillage of serious proportions occur, I think the Deputy will agree that, to enable the position to be properly investigated, it would be desirable that the matter be brought to notice as quickly as possible.