Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

I agree. We need to tackle our waste management problems in a more reasonable manner.

The fact that litter is having detrimental effects on tourism has been mentioned, but pollution is also damaging that industry. One only need look at Lough Derg, which has been unsuitable for fishing for an unacceptably long number of years. While attempts are being made to restock the lake, serious problems are still being encountered as a result of the high level of phosphorus running into it from various streams. This poisonous run-off can be attributed, in part, to the agriculture industry. North Tipperary County Council has not been afraid to deal with this issue. It introduced by-laws based entirely on scientific evidence that demonstrates the need to reduce the amount of fertiliser used on the land. The timeframe in place is so long that one wonders whether we will ever meet our targets.

I am looking forward to an in-depth discussion of this legislation. Much contained within it is to be welcomed but unfortunately it also provides for such a serious diminution of the role of the public representative and local authorities that it must be opposed at that level.