Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 9 May 1995

Vol. 452 No. 5

Written Answers. - Farm Pollution Control.

Eoin Ryan

Ceist:

59 Mr. E. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment the policy and financial implications for his Department and local authorities of the decision to shut down the control of farm pollution scheme and the consequent effect on the rural environment pollution scheme; if he will outline his policy to deal with and aid local authorities in funding the additional works necessitated by the loss of these vital farm pollution control schemes in view of his commitment to the highest environmental standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8216/95]

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Howlin)

The administration of the control of farm pollution scheme, CFP, and the rural environment protection scheme, REPS, is a matter for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry who set out the reasons for the suspension of the CFP in a press statement on 27 April 1995. I share the Minister's concern to ensure that the suspension of the CFP will have minimal impact on participation in the REPS.

It would not be appropriate or possible for local authorities to undertake works in substitution for those proper to the CFP scheme. I share the assessment of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry that priority should now attach to establishing procedures which will enable as many applications as possible to proceed with essential work, pending the availability of further funds. My Department is participating in the consultative group which will make recommendations to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry on priorities in this regard by the end of May.