Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 April 2007
662 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will confirm that the European Commission, after issuing Ireland with a letter of formal notice followed by a reasoned opinion, has informed Ireland that it will be bringing infringement proceedings against Ireland before the European Court of Justice for its failure to protect the fresh water pearl mussel. [12752/07]
Amharc ar fhreagra663 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason the guidelines prepared for the protection of the fresh water pearl mussel and circulated for public comment in 2006 have not been published; and when they will be published. [12753/07]
Amharc ar fhreagra665 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the existing highest Irish water quality standard Q5, which has been determined by the best scientific opinion to be inadequate to protect the fresh water pearl mussel, will be revised accordingly. [12755/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 662, 663 and 665 together. I understand that the European Commission at their meeting of 21 March decided to refer to the European Court of Justice a case against Ireland that will include issues regarding protection of the Freshwater Pearl Mussel. However, my Department has yet to receive official notification in that regard.
The Guidelines to which the Question refers are being prepared by the Forestry Service, Department of Agriculture and Food. My Department is, however, finalising a species action plan for the protection of the freshwater pearl mussel and this plan will be released for public consultation later this year.
Since the 1970s, the EPA has operated a system of classification of river quality, based on biological criteria. Under this classification system, river waters are attributed a Q score and the highest rating that may be attributed to river waters generally is Q5. As part of work towards implementation of the Water Framework Directive, a new classification system in relation to water quality status is being developed by the EPA. This water status classification system will cover a broad range of parameters and will apply in relation to waters generally. Sites requiring special protection, including those inhabited by the Pearl Mussel, may require particularly high water quantity standards and consideration will be given to the appropriate standards that must be applied to such sites.
