Vol. 552 No. 1
96 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if his Department has carried out independent analysis on the polluting effects of sewerage systems on chosen sites in the Mayo area following an announcement of same after a public meeting in Foxford, County Mayo, on rural planning recently; the nature of the investigation carried out by him in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11943/02]
The location of potentially polluting sewerage systems on sites close to water bodies or courses connected or adjacent to fisheries is obviously a matter of concern to the local regional fisheries board whose statutory duty it is to protect the fisheries in its region. I also fully understand the concerns of persons wishing to build on sites such as in the areas referred to by the Deputy.
I can inform the Deputy that I have asked the Central Fisheries Board, amongst whose functions it is to advise me on policy relating to the protection of inland fisheries and the efficient and effective performance by the regional boards of their statutory functions, to carry out an independent analysis, using its own professional expertise and/or outside qualified persons, of the potential for pollution and consequent potential damage to the relevant fisheries from such sewerage systems and to make their findings and advice known to me within three weeks. I will communicate further with the Deputy when the independent report is available to me.
I asked the board to employ an independent consultant to advise on the effectiveness of effluent treatment plants being proposed in County Mayo.
