IFI secures conviction against Uisce Éireann for sewage pollution in Cavan
- UÉ ordered to pay €3k fine, €6k+ in costs/expenses, and will contribute €12k to habitat improvement plan
Inland Fisheries Ireland(IFI) has secured a conviction against Uisce Éireann after sewage discharged into an important wild brown trout spawning river.
Untreated sewage effluent from Uisce Éireann’s sewer network entered into the Pound River, a tributary of the Mountnugent River, which flows into Lough Sheelin.
IFI took samples after the incident and detected a level of ammonia in the water that was toxic to fish, insects, and other aquatic life.
Discharge entering the Pound River.
Uisce Éireann was found to have committed a water pollution breach, and must pay a fine of €3,000, as well as IFI’s costs and expenses of €6,158 for the case.
In recognition of the pollution’s significant impact, Uisce Éireann also agreed to contribute €12,000 to a future habitat improvement plan which will remediate the Pound River for 1.3km downstream of the discharge location and help restore trout stocks.
IFI invested €20,000 in 2024 on improving the river’s habitat upstream of the discharge location.
Close up of sewage fungus at the Pound River.
Commenting, David McInerney, IFI’s Director in the Shannon region, said: “This pollution event had very serious effects.
“The high level of ammonia in the water would have almost certainly killed the newly-hatched fish fry, which would have been only 2-3cm long at the time.
“It caused a significant deterioration to the river’s water quality downstream, which was visually evident for 1300m as far as its confluence with the Mountnugent River.
“This would have impacted brown trout stock, their spawning, and their habitat within the stream.
“Uisce Éireann’s contribution of €12,000 to future habitat improvement works is most welcome and reflects its commitment to improving the river habitat.”
Excessive weed growth and fungus growth downstream of discharge into the Pound River.
The incident occurred in May 2024.
The case was heard at Cavan District Court on February 7th, 2025.
IFI urges the public to report instances of water pollution, habitat destruction, fish kills, or illegal fishing, to its confidential 24/7 number, 0818 34 74 24.
