A new body representing angling interests throughout the west of Ireland has called on the Government to ban intensive piggery and poultry development in the region because of the threat it poses to rivers and lakes, which are exceptionally sensitive to pollutants.
The Connaught Angling Council advisory and consultative committee has called on the Minister of State for the Environment, Mr Dan Wallace, to ensure that the Environmental Protection Agency restricts licences for piggeries at least until water quality improves. An angler delegation has briefed Mr Wallace on the need for this and other measures to stem continuing degradation of water quality, notably on the "great western lakes" of Loughs Corrib, Mask, Carra and Conn, due to enrichment of water by wastes, most of which is agriculture-related.
After meeting the Minister in Dublin, the anglers' spokesman, Mr Brian Higgins, said they were heartened by Mr Wallace echoing their concern and accepting the need to protect the waters, and his undertaking to consider measures restricting such development. The delegation also briefed TDs and Senators.
They called on the Government to:
designate as special areas of conservation catchments as well as lakes;
seek soil injection of slurry to replace crude and environmentally risky methods of spreading;
introduce a forestry policy concentrating on lowland sites in areas where soil has the ability to ensure minimal acidification of water;
exhort householders to use phosphorous-free detergents.
