Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Question 576: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the processes that are in place to stop water pollution in Meath's rivers and lakes; the new measures that will be introduced soon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25057/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Primary responsibility for the protection and improvement of water quality is assigned statutorily to local authorities, which in the case of Meath's rivers and lakes is the responsibility of Meath County Council. In this regard local authorities act under the supervision of the EPA. Measures for the protection and improvement of water quality are being progressed on a systematic basis, in the context of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) which provides generally that there must be no deterioration in the status of any waters and that all waters achieve at least "good status" by 2015. A comprehensive programme of activities is currently underway by local authorities, the EPA, my Department and other relevant bodies for full implementation of the Directive. This is being supported by river basin district projects, led by local authorities, together with a wide range of other measures including ongoing investment under the Water Services Investment Programme, implementation of the Nitrates Action Programme, and new regulatory controls in relation to the licensing of aerial fertilisation of forestry and discharges from local authority wastewater treatment plants.

Further information on the measures being taken to stop pollution in Meath's rivers and lakes may be obtained from Meath County Council.