Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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A key issue for local authorities is the areas to prioritise. We cannot simply wait until local authorities are better resourced; they need to be. We also need to have structures in place to ensure this is something they prioritise. That means there needs to be an accountability mechanism whereby if a local authority is not up to scratch, concerned members of the public are able to do something about it. Of course, they can raise it through their local elected members and so forth. However, I think there needs to be another mechanism. I am not singling out local authorities on this; it applies to any public bodies with responsibility.

I have a question for Teagasc. The nitrates action programme proposes reducing artificial fertiliser loads by up to 15% whereas the EPA data indicate that in some catchments in the south and south east a reduction of more than 50% in nitrogen load would be necessary to meet the water quality standards. Can modelling be done on this?