John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 114: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the fish stocks in Lough Allen south due to the disposal of liquids from an industrial unit (details supplied) in County Leitrim to a sewage treatment works at Drumshanbo owned and operated by Leitrim County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12721/05]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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My colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, has primary responsibility for policy and legislation on water quality issues. Statutory responsibility for water management and protection rests primarily with the local authorities. The central and regional fisheries boards have responsibility for the conservation and management of fish stocks.

I am advised that the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board is aware of the reports of effluent emanating from Leitrim County Council's sewage treatment plant at Drumshanbo. However, it is not aware of any adverse effects on fish stocks in the area as a result of treated effluent from this plant. The board has been in contact with Leitrim County Council and has been assured that the waste from the industrial unit, referred to by the Deputy, is treated before it enters the lake in the normal manner. I am advised that Leitrim County Council has carried out toxicity tests which have proven negative. Further toxicity tests are to be carried out and when the results become available to the board they will be reviewed and any necessary action taken.

I also understand that the Environmental Protection Agency has licensed the waste discharges from the industrial unit and is aware of the discharge to Leitrim County Council's sewage treatment plant. While no stock assessment has been undertaken on Lough Allen the board has carried out fish stock surveys on the Shannon at Carrick-on-Shannon, seven miles downstream of Lough Allen, in 2004 and downstream of Carrick-on-Shannon in 2003 including the site of the industrial unit. These surveys have shown good stocks of coarse fish present. The board is working with Leitrim County Council on a cross-Border proposal to survey a number of waters in the Leitrim area. It anticipates a decision on this project soon. The board will continue to work with the other State bodies to monitor the situation.