Other links related to this topic

Zebra Mussel

The Phosphate Problem

Catchment Management & Monitoring 

The Mulcair Clean Up

Introduction

The Shannon Regional Fisheries Board has statutory powers under the Fisheries Acts 1980 - 1990 and the Local Government Water Pollution Acts 1977 - 1990, to protect water quality and the fisheries habitat within its region. The Board investigates sources of pollution with a view to tracing and prosecuting offenders. Over the last few years the Board has been making more use of Section 10 of the Local Government Water Pollution Acts 1977 and 1990. This enables the it to take action to stop the recurrence of pollution and in certain cases to obtain monies from polluters for fishery rehabilitation purposes. Recent examples of such cases were at Shannonside Milk Products, Co. Roscommon, C&D Foods Ltd, Co. Longford, and Liffey Meats, Co. Cavan on all of which Section 10 orders were imposed. The money paid through the Courts arising out of Section 10 Orders are now to be used to rehabilitate local streams.

The Board is actively involved and directly participates in the planning, development and licensing processes for industrial and other developments, in particular it assesses the potential water pollution impacts on waters within its region.

Since the enactment a few years ago of the Environmental Protection Agency Act, the EPA are now responsible for the issuing of IPC's ( Integrated Pollution Control Licences ) to industry. This will have an important regulatory effect through frequent monitoring and should ensure proper environmental protection in the future. The Board regularly makes submissions on licences being issued by the EPA and local Authorities with particular reference to impacts on the aquatic environment. This board continuously liase with the EPA, Local Authorities and also with other institutions with environmental control responsibilities.

Finally the Board is conscious that pollution prevention is the best environmental policy, therefore it assists and supports environmental and educational programmes. The introduction of REP's (Rural Environmental Protection) Scheme over recent years provides a training programme for farmers or other land users on the best approach to productive and environmentally friendly farm practises and waste management.

Environmental awareness is the key to a cleaner environment. Let you be the solution to our water pollution and report any pollution incidents on the Shannon to this office at 061 455171 or email us.