John Connor
Ceist:69 Mr. Connor asked the Minister for the Marine his views on the use of weedkillers for weed and other growth control in rivers and waterways throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Use of Weedkillers.
I am not aware of any concern about the use of weedkillers in the circumstances outlined.
The various fisheries boards occasionally use approved herbicides to clear fishing areas and maintain them weed-free but such use is subject to very tight controls. I understand that the Office of Public Works also uses similar products to keep the waterways under its management and control open for navigation. In neither case is damage to fish and other aquatic life involved.
In all cases that I am aware of the particular materials used have been vetted and approved by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry which is the national supervisory authority for herbicides.