Written answers
Thursday, 23 June 2005
Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources
Water Pollution
8:00 pm
Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 104: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his proposals to deal with the urgent environmental issues that arise from the infestation of western waterways with African weed, Lagarosiphon Major. [21659/05]
Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Fisheries Acts, primary responsibility for the protection and conservation of inland fisheries is a matter for the regional fisheries boards, in this case, the Western Regional Fisheries Board. I am aware, through that board, that an aggressive alien plant species known as Lagarosiphon major or curly water weed has been identified in Lough Corrib. This weed, originally from Africa, poses a serious threat to fish and other wildlife in the area. It is thought the weed was introduced to Ireland through garden centres as a product for ornamental garden ponds.
I am advised that the Central Fisheries Board and the Western Regional Fisheries Board, together with Galway County Council and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, have recently established a Lagarosiphon task force. The main aim of this task force is to determine and implement all the possible options for the control and the possible elimination of this invasive alien species.
The task force held its first meeting in Oughterard, County Galway on 26 May this year and has already produced an information leaflet detailing what anglers, boat owners and the public should do to combat the spread of the weed. The task force has also issued a press release to relevant national, regional and angling press to inform the general public of the threat associated with this invasive alien species.
I assure the Deputy that the agencies concerned are continuing to work together to address this problem.
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