asked the Minister for Fisheries if he is aware of the recurring pollution of the River Suir and many of its tributaries resulting in massive destruction of fish life in these rivers; if he will indicate in detail the sources of that pollution; and the steps he is taking to prevent such pollution in the future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - River Suir Pollution.
18.
I am aware of the pollution problem that has arisen in recent years in the River Suir and of the fact that there were two major fish kills in the river during the past 12 months. It would appear that the unsatisfactory state of the river is due to the accumulated effect of discharges of deleterious matter from a number of factories and local authority sewage schemes in the area. The Waterford Board of Conservators are responsible for the protection of fish life in the Suir and its pollution officer is actively engaged in keeping the position under review and in negotiations with the various bodies concerned towards achieving a solution of the problem.
Is the Minister aware of the grave concern and anxiety not merely amongst angling clubs but amongst people generally in the area concerning the worsening position of the River Suir which has now won for itself the name of being the most polluted river in Ireland? Is the Minister further aware of the adverse effect this is having on industry in the area? In the circumstances, will he agree to make a concerted effort in consultation with members of the local authorities and the angling clubs, and so on to clear up this sorry mess as a matter of dire urgency?
I am thankful to the Deputy for his very constructive suggestion because I too am very concerned about the state of the River Suir and the serious depletion of the fishing stocks in that river because of pollution. We have the legislation to hand. I have been pursuing the matter departmentally already and I will take up the Deputy's suggestion of meeting all interested parties.
Will the Minister not merely consult with people at local level but also with his colleague the Minister for Finance and ask him to make available as a matter of urgency the necessary moneys for the arterial drainage of the Suir and its tributaries as this would help considerably, I am sure he will agree, in clearing up the pollution of that river?
I will take up that matter too.