Vol. 550 No. 5
78 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources his views on the EPA report, Water Quality in Ireland 1998-2000, in respect of quality of fishing waters in Lough Conn, Lough Cullen, Lough Mask and Lough Carra in County Mayo; if he has satisfied himself with the fishing water quality in the salmonid rivers of Mayo with particular reference to the Moy, the Owenmore, the Errif and Delphi; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9553/02]
The Environmental Protection Agency report, Water Quality in Ireland 1998-2000, presents an overview of the quality status of the State's surface and groundwaters for the period under review. The report states that of the 164 lakes examined in the west, 158 were classified as oligotrophic or mesotrophic while the remaining six showed signs of nutrient enrichment. In this classification Lough Cullen is oligotrophic and Loughs Mask, Carra and Conn are mesotrophic. In relation to the latter three lakes the report notes that fluctuations in angling returns and excessive growths of shoreline plants and algae have suggested unsatisfactory levels of localised enrichment and led to widespread concern about their future welfare. However, the quality of the open waters of these lakes is consistent with mesotrophic or satisfactory conditions.
I will ask the Western Regional Fisheries Board and the North-Western Regional Fisheries Board to communicate directly with the Deputy in relation to the fishing water quality of the lakes and rivers mentioned.
