IFI secures conviction against cheese maker for slurry pollution offence

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has secured a conviction against a dairy production firm for slurry pollution of a Co. Tipperary river.

The Tipperary Cheese Company Ltd was found to have caused slurry to flow into a tributary of the River Suir, and was ordered to pay fines and costs/expenses of €7,440.

The incident happened at Leigh, Two Mile Borris, on the Clover River system in Co. Tipperary.

Commenting, Lynda Connor South-Eastern regional director at IFI said: “The Clover River was found to be in a poor condition, with polluting material discharging into this river from a drain full of slurry.

“Ensuring clean and healthy water is not just a responsibility, but a necessity for the survival of fish and the ecosystems they thrive in.

“This successful prosecution is part of Inland Fisheries Ireland’s very determined efforts to protect the State’s rivers, streams, and lakes.”

The court heard the evidence for the defence did not match up with photographs which showed deep slurry in the water, not just a spillage, and the issue had been ongoing for a considerable time before action was taken.

It was noted that the pollution constituted a very serious breach on the part of The Tipperary Cheese Company Ltd.

Evidence was given by IFI Fisheries Environmental Officer Oliver McGrath who outlined the facts to the court. 

The company was instructed to pay €2,500 in fines and €4,940 in legal costs/expenses.

The case was heard at Thurles District Court on February 18th 2025.

The incident took place in December 2023.

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