Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 September 2021
190. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has engaged with the EPA regarding its guidelines which prevent the licensing or expansion of poultry within parts of counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43605/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra197. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his position on new EPA guidelines which prevent the licensing or expansion of any poultry within parts of counties Cavan and Monaghan; the length of time he expects this guidance will be in place; if a similar ban will put in place in other local authority areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43602/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 190 and 197 together.
The issues raised by the Deputy are matters for the Environmental Protection Agency as part of their environmental licensing functions. They are not matters in which I, as Minister, have a function.
Poultry farming, by its nature, can potentially adversely impact on the environment, and the EPA, in determining any licence application, may set any conditions it deems appropriate in order to control the operation of activities and prevent, reduce, and eliminate as far as possible emissions into the air, water and land arising from such activities.
