Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 27 May 1998

Vol. 491 No. 4

Written Answers. - Water Quality.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

14 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources when he will receive the report from the Central Fisheries Board on progress on implementation of the water quality action programme announced in August 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12227/98]

Jack Wall

Ceist:

18 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the plans, if any, his Department will put in place in co-operation with the Department of the Environment and Local Government and the Department of Agriculture and Food to prevent the pollution of our inland waterways during the summer months in view of the huge increase in pollution levels and fish kills; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12299/98]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Dr. Woods)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 18 together.

I have directed the Central Fisheries Board to give immediate and top priority to implementation of my six point water quality action plan to protect fish stocks. As we move into the critical summer months when fisheries and fish habitats are at their most vulnerable, the priority is to ensure that the resources of the central and regional boards and all relevant agencies are deployed and mobilised to best effect to prevent pollution, deal with the causes of pollution and act swiftly when pollution occurs.

There has been demonstrable progress since I announced my action plan last August, notably in terms of improved liaison, dialogue and co-operation between the fisheries boards and other relevant agencies as well as the farming organisations, and the current development of water quality monitoring programmes between the fisheries boards and the EPA. Dialogue and co-operation is also ongoing between the Department and the Department of the Environment and Local Government reflective of the respective and complementary responsibilities of the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, Deputy Dempsey and myself. The Central Fisheries Board has also invested in new equipment which will considerably enhance analysis of water samples, nutrient analysis and pollution investigations. Information dissemination and the publication of codes of practice by the IFA on silage effluent control and phosphate usage is heightening awareness generally of pollution risks and the need for constant vigilance and care.

There is no room for complacency, however, and I have made it clear that I want to see all of the resources available to the central and regional fisheries boards mobilised and in a state of readiness, both in terms of pollution prevention and response over the coming months. Close co-operation on the ground will be essential between the boards, the local authorities and all relevant agencies as well as with farmers and other users of our inland fisheries resource. I have accordingly tasked the Central Fisheries Board with progressing all components of the plan within a very short timeframe which will ensure the necessary state of readiness.

I have asked the board to report back to me very quickly on its preparations and I will brief Deputies further in the coming weeks. I have every confidence that the central and regional boards will deliver on this mandate to deploy all available resources at their disposal to maximum effect during the summer.