Noel McCarthy (Cork East, Fine Gael)

I thank the Tánaiste for his response. I appreciate efforts are being made to establish the exact details of this incident. However, I ask that all Government agencies and stakeholders he referred to work to the very best of their ability to ensure a full investigation is conducted. Appropriate action to remediate the current issues and measures to prevent further instances of pollution from occurring must be put in place. I also ask that a full review of the effects of the pollution on the wildlife and habitat on the river be undertaken. The pollution incident in August has caused untold damage from both environmental and economic perspectives to one of the most beautiful river basins in the country. We as public representatives must therefore ensure full details of this incident are made public. I also acknowledge the matter is to be discussed by the Oireachtas joint environment committee at the end of the month and I really appreciate that.

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