Shellfish farmers in pollution warning
Irish shellfish farmers were reiterating urgent calls to the Government today to take action against water pollution levels which are still affecting the industry.
The Government has already been given a final written warning by the European Commission for failing to improve water quality, which has reached unacceptable levels in certain coastal areas.
Farmers claim little has been done to rectify the problem since it began action two years ago, despite warnings of legal action and the risk to public health.
They say the urban development programme is polluting water and affecting stocks.
Sewage and pollution is damaging the industry – worth €30m to the economy annually.
The renewed complaints came at the Shellfish Association’s annual conference in Waterford.
A spokesman for the Department of Marine and Natural Resources said it was working with local authorities to meet the requirements of the Commission.
John Browne, minister of state at the Department is expected to address the conference later today.
The Government faces large fines if the situation is not resolved.
