A new environmental protection plan for the river Suir has been presented to the Minister for Agriculture.
The South East Regional Development Organisation has devised a plan to protect the Suir. A study has shown that ten percent of the river is seriously polluted, while one quarter has been described as moderately polluted.
Director of the regional development organisation Liam Murphy believes setting standards for industry and getting commitment from local authorities are key to ensuring the success of any plan. Towns located along the river Suir have received an increase in funding to upgrade waste water facilities. Modern farming practices are also having an impact with an increase in agricultural effluent.
The South East Regional Development Organisation has brought many county councils and corporations together, and other rivers in the region such as the Barrow, Blackwater and Slaney are earmarked for similar treatment.
A commitment by government funded local authorities is one thing, but what about compliance by industry and agriculture? Liam Murphy says the statutory regulations in place will ensure that the objectives in the plan are attained.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 29 March 1985. The reporter is Michael Ryan.
