Johnny Mythen (Wexford, Sinn Fein)

It is nice to see some familiar faces. I welcome Councillors Ger Carthy and Lisa McDonald. I worked with them on the county council. They are two fine councillors. There is no point in talking about the past. The past is done. The issue is saving the lagoon. That is the main reason we are here. I will ask a few practical questions. The witnesses spoke about the 12 feeder streams. What is the main balanced solution to resolve the problem? Are all the streams polluted in the same way? Could some of them be diverted? The report also states that a reduction of 80% in nitrates and phosphates is needed along with a reduction in imported nitrogen. I was on the agriculture committee last year, and the nitrates derogation is a very hot topic. There are 80,000 farmers out there who have to earn a living. There is a balance to be struck. Is there an alternative form of fertiliser farmers can use? Thinking about coastal areas, seaweed and stuff like that can be used locally.