Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

149. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if there has been any analysis by Inland Fisheries Ireland of fish pathology in Border areas, which shows evidence of contamination by diesel laundering chemicals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10677/15]

Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

One of the principal functions of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is the protection, management and conservation of the inland fisheries resource.

In this regard, IFI have statutory responsibilities in circumstances where there is evidence of potential harm to fish stocks and/or habitats such as the occurrence of a fish kill. All such incidents are fully investigated with a view to identifying the cause and where possible prosecuting any party found responsible. In addition, where pollution occurs that affects wild fish populations or habitats IFI also investigates in an effort to identify the cause and remove the source of the pollution.

I am advised by IFI that they have not been made aware of incidents of harm to fish stocks or habitats as a consequence of the type of activity referred to by the Deputy.

In the absence of evidence or reports of any incidence of harm to stocks or habitat, IFI have not sought the testing of any tissue samples for toxicology analysis.

However, should any party identify sources of pollution which harm fish stocks or habitats it should be reported immediately to IFI at either the local River Basin District office or alternatively via the IFI emergency hotline number: 1980 34 74 24, which is operational on a 24/7 basis.