The powers of local authorities have been strengthened to allow them to make by-laws to combat water pollution from agricultural sources, the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, Mr Dempsey, said yesterday.
The Minister said it was a further measure designed to halt and reverse the deterioration of water quality in rivers, lakes, estuaries and coastal areas due to pollution by nutrients from agricultural sources.
The new powers were also a continuation of the Government's programme for the strengthening of local government and the devolution of additional powers to local authorities wherever possible, he said.
The new regulations allow local authorities to make by-laws without ministerial approval: for instance, to provide for on-the-spot fines of up to £50.
It will also allow local authorities to increase the maximum penalty for summary convictions of non-compliance from £1,000 to £1,500; provide for additional penalties in relation to the continuation of an offence after conviction; and strengthen the enforcement powers of local authorities, authorised officers and members of the Garda Siochana.