Aisling Dolan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the ICSA, ICOS and ACA for being here. I appreciate the water framework directive has been referenced in some of the opening statements. There are challenges particularly concerning Uisce Éireann. I would like to ask more about that. I know they have responded to a number of the contributors already. Senator Murphy has spoken about the water schemes we see across the country. In what ways can we in the Oireachtas look at how to improve access? The first point concerns Uisce Éireann getting access to more funds, and local authorities having the wherewithal for wastewater treatment plants. It is not solely landowners and farmers who are responsible for water quality in Ireland. I see that water quality in Ireland has a large number of stakeholders. I want to see that focus being brought to bear. I know, for example, we have the increase of up to €12,000 this year for septic tanks, but what will be the take-up on that? Let us also look at the increase in slurry storage capacity. People spoke about the TAMS grant and so on but there are other challenges with that. I know that also links in with local authorities.

I have a question, and I apologise because I was putting this together online and did not realise it would be so quick. How do we look at supporting Uisce Éireann in meeting a lot of these requirements at many levels outside of just the farmers and landowners? Second, in the submissions made, there was reference made to everything that has been done in terms of low emission slurry spreading and looking at the reduction in fertiliser and how the witnesses have seen that and how there are statistics to back it up. Irish farmers and agriculture are world leaders in how they do things. What else should we be looking at? Where else can we support farmers to meet these requirements and in engaging with that type of technology? Those are for whoever would like to take the questions.