IFI gains conviction against wind farm for pollution of Leitrim river

Inland Fisheries Ireland(IFI) has secured a conviction against a wind farm firm for contamination of a Co. Leitrim waterway.

Tullynamoyle Windfarm 5 Ltd was found to have caused silt to flow into a tributary of the River Bonet, and must now pay a fine and costs/expenses amounting to €4,900.

The incident happened at Lisnagowan within the Bonet River and Belhavel Lough catchment in Co. Leitrim.

Commenting Mary Walsh, IFI Western region director (Ballina) said: "The Bonet river is a sensitive habitat and is under environmental pressure.

"The fishery is only open on a catch-and-release basis due to declining salmon stocks there.

"This was a significant pollution incident which potentially impacted the water quality, and posed a serious threat to our natural environment and fish populations."

Tullynamoyle Windfarm 5 Limited was instructed to pay a fine of €3,500, and €1,400 in costs/expenses to IFI.

The incident took place in January 2024, and the case was heard at Sligo District Court on February 24th, 2025.

Separately, IFI also prosecuted a plant hire company after a discharge of sediment entered the Bonet River system in a related incident.

The incident happened at Lisnagowan within the Bonet River and Belhavel Lough catchment in Co. Leitrim.

Norris Plant Hire Limited was given the benefit of the Probation Act and ordered to give a contribution of €1,000 to a charity, and also pay costs/expenses of €1,000 to IFI.

The incident took place in January 2024.

The case was heard at Sligo District Court on February 24th, 2025.

IFI urge people to report water pollution, fish kills, or issues of concern in their local rivers/lakes to its confidential 24/7 number, 0818 34 74 24.