Vol. 400 No. 2
25 Mr. T. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Marine , having regard to the high content of algae bloom in the River Lee which is causing serious concern, if he will outline the steps he proposes to take to eliminate this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am very concerned at the incidence of algae bloom in the River Lee. The primary responsibility for water quality lies, however, with the Minister for the Environment and the local authorities. My Department and the South-Western Regional Fisheries Board are, of course, doing all that is practicable to tackle this problem in the fisheries interest. This includes the setting up of a research programme with Cork County Council on phosphate levels in the Lee catchment area, with issue of advice and warnings to farmers in the catchment and the prosecution of polluters.
