Dublin, Wednesday, 17 April 2002
Mr. Frank Fahey T.D., Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources has announced that the Central Fisheries Board is to employ an independent consultant to advise on the effectiveness of effluent treatment plants being proposed in Co. Mayo.
“I am fully supportive of the North Western Fisheries Board’s efforts to protect our river and lake habitats”. Minister Fahey said. He added, “There is however a need to respond to the concerns of communities in Mayo where plans to build on sites close to water courses have been held up due to objections by the North Western Fisheries Board.”
“The location of potentially polluting sewerage systems 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 is to protect the fisheries in its region. I am anxious however to increase communication between the Boards, the Planning Authorities and the local community so that housing plans can be submitted with sewage systems that adequately address the concerns of the Board.”
The Central Fisheries Board will 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 relevant fisheries from such sewerage systems and make their findings and advice known to Minister Fahey within 3 weeks.
ENDS.
For further information, please contact:
Tony Bass
Media & Communications Manager
Department of the Marine and Natural Resources
Leeson Lane
Dublin 2
Tel: +353-(0)1-619-9471
Fax: +353-(0)1-676-6161
Or
Tom Mc Loughlin
Press Officer
Department of the Marine and Natural Resources
Leeson Lane
Dublin 2
Tel: +353-(0)1-619-9662
Fax: +353-(0)1-676-6161