Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Integrated Constructed Wetlands (ICW) are a recognised form of wastewater treatment that have been used to treat varying types of polluted water including those of industrial, domestic, and agricultural origin.

All ICWs require planning permission and a discharge licence and only farmyard soiled water, as defined in the Nitrates Regulations, shall be allowed into an ICW. Prior to the construction of an ICW, full storage capacity (as required under the Nitrates Regulations) shall be provided for all slurry and effluents produced, and required to be stored, on the farmyard.

In addition, to ensure the structure works as intended, there are minimum specifications for the construction of ICWs and ancillary works that must be adhered to which are outlined in ‘Minimum Specification for Integrated Constructed Wetlands and Ancillary Works (S133 – June 2011)’. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine specification (S.133) is supported by a Guidance Document published by the then Department of Environment entitled: Integrated Constructed Wetlands: Guidance Document for Farmyard Soiled Water and Domestic Wastewater Applications.

There are no immediate plans to support ICWs but I will continue to monitor and evaluate the situation in terms of the supports available to farmers to help protect water quality.