30 October 2000

SAM FOSTER RAISES CROSS BORDER ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS

Sam Foster, MLA, Minister of the Environment, this week raised a number of cross-border environmental concerns that had been brought to his attention.

He took the opportunity at an Environment meeting of the North South Ministerial Council to highlight particular concerns with his counterpart in the Republic of Ireland, Minister Noel Dempsey.

Mr Foster said: "I have listened closely to a number of environmental concerns raised by Assembly members. I share their concern that Northern Ireland could suffer the environmental impacts of activities happening elsewhere.

"A particular example is cross-border river pollution, such as in the Erne River system. The maintenance of good quality waterways is essential as rivers often cross and recross the border. Pollution to a river on one side of the boundary has the potential to cause environmental damage on the other side.

"But there are also many other environmental issues which need to be addressed. The spread of zebra mussels into Northern Ireland, cross-border waste management, the disposal of spent mushroom compost and the management of major environmental hazards are also ongoing concerns.

"I am very pleased though that my opposite number, Minister Noel Dempsey, is in agreement with me that these issues should be addressed by our Departments."