European regulations to improve water quality around the Irish coast are to be enforced, after shellfish farmers complained to the European Commission.
At their annual conference in Waterford the Shellfish Association welcomed the decision, but said it hoped that it was more than 'window dressing' to satisfy the Commission while Ireland holds the EU Presidency.
Minister of State, John Browne, guaranteed the Association that the European Directives to improve water quality in 60 bays around the coast would be implemented within eight weeks.
This means that the Government will avoid the possibility of stiff fines and embarrassment while it holds the EU Presidency.
The shellfish farmers had complained the Government to the Commission because poorwater quality was affecting the marketing of shellfish abroad.
