Sir, - At a recent meeting of the Lough Corrib Trust Angling Federation, great concern was expressed at the practice of farmers spreading slurry during the recent heavy rainfalls. While travelling from Galway via Headford to Castlebar at the beginning of January, I encountered several farmers driving slurry tanks along the main and secondary roads, engaged in the careless practice of spreading slurry onto fields already waterlogged.
It is hard to understand why some farmers spread slurry in rainy weather, when it is obvious that this muck will run off into streams and rivers. I wonder if the two State organisations, Teagasc and the EPA, have any policy or issue any guidance to farmers concerning this dreadful practice.
We are all aware that the seepage of phosphates cause algal blooms on our western lakes during the summer. It should be noted that Lough Corrib is the water source for the towns of Headford and Tuam and also for Galway city.
We appeal to those who are polluting our waters to desist immediately. We do not want a repeat of what has occurred on Lough Derg. - Yours, etc.,
Christy Reilly, Pollution Officer, Lough Corrib Trout Angling Federation, Riverside, Galway.