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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation

Water quality and Lough Neagh

Summary

Deputy Murphy asks what is being done to prevent ecological collapse of lakes and rivers, citing Lough Neagh and wider pollution. The Taoiseach says he cannot address Northern Ireland directly, but points to major investment in water quality and argues pollution comes from multiple sources, not only farming.

What action is being taken to prevent the catastrophic ecological collapse of our lakes and rivers, as has happened north of the Border with Lough Neagh. Successive governments, many with Sinn Féin ministers, have enabled the ecocide of the largest lake on this island. A combination of sewage and agricultural run-off, commercial sand dredging, climate change and invasive species is responsible. Ecosystems that have thrived for hundreds of thousands of years have been destroyed by the profiteering of modern capitalism. Pollution knows no borders and the same destruction is happening in the South. Some 45% of our water bodies are in an unsatisfactory condition. The Government's enabling of nitrates pollution by big dairy and agrifood is the main culprit, yet the Taoiseach continues to defend the toxic nitrates derogation. We need to organise a mass, all-island movement of people power to defend our lakes, rivers and protect the rights of nature. All of our futures depend on it.

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Leo Varadkar The Taoiseach Fine Gael

I cannot speak for Lough Neagh. That is in Northern Ireland. As the Deputy points out, perhaps others can answer those questions. Regarding water quality, we have a big investment programme in improving our water quality, led by Irish Water. Many things contribute to pollution in our waterways. It is not all about farmers. It is not right to speak to them as if they are entirely to blame for everything that is wrong with our water quality. There is human waste as well and industrial waste. All of that needs to be reduced, and that is very much part of what we are doing.

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