Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE) | Oireachtas source

What action is being taken to prevent the catastrophic ecological collapse of our lakes and rivers, as has happened north of the Border with Lough Neagh. Successive governments, many with Sinn Féin ministers, have enabled the ecocide of the largest lake on this island. A combination of sewage and agricultural run-off, commercial sand dredging, climate change and invasive species is responsible. Ecosystems that have thrived for hundreds of thousands of years have been destroyed by the profiteering of modern capitalism. Pollution knows no borders and the same destruction is happening in the South. Some 45% of our water bodies are in an unsatisfactory condition. The Government's enabling of nitrates pollution by big dairy and agrifood is the main culprit, yet the Taoiseach continues to defend the toxic nitrates derogation. We need to organise a mass, all-island movement of people power to defend our lakes, rivers and protect the rights of nature. All of our futures depend on it.

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