IFI prosecutes construction firm for pollution of Co Sligo river
- Legal costs/expenses, and contribution to charity imposed, totalling €7,393
Inland Fisheries Ireland(IFI) has welcomed a court ruling against a construction firm for polluting a river in Co Sligo.
BAM Civil Limited was found to have allowed a discharge of silt to enter Drumcliff River and Collinsford Stream.
The pollution incident took place at a N16 roadworks site at Lugatober, Co. Sligo, which was being managed by BAM Civil Limited.
The firm received the benefit of the Probation Act, and was ordered to pay a €1,000 donation to a community organisation, and also pay costs/expenses of €6,393 to IFI.
Silt discharge observed in Collinsford Stream, downstream of the BAM Civil Ltd site
Commenting, Mary Walsh IFI Western region director (Ballina) said: "IFI is committed to protecting our natural environment and enforcing legislation to protect declining fish stocks.
"Environmental damage such as this impacts water quality and freshwater fish and their habitats."
Senior Fisheries Environmental Officer Aisling Donegan gave evidence and outlined the water sampling process, results of water analysis, and the potential damage the pollution caused to fish and spawning beds.
Silt discharge entering Drumcliff River from Collinsford Stream, over 2km downstream of the site.
The incident took place on April 17th, 2024.
The case was heard at Sligo District Court on March 4th, 2025.
IFI urge people to report water pollution or issues of concern in their local rivers and lakes to its confidential 24/7 number, 0818 34 74 24.
