IFI secures prosecutions for water pollution against two businesses in Co Monaghan

Inland Fisheries Ireland has confirmed recent successful prosecutions against two industries operating at Lough Egish Food Park, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan.

At Monaghan District Court Judge Raymond Finnegan convicted Bio-marine Ingredients Ireland Limited, and Stillorgan Trading Post Limited (trading as Swift Fine Foods), of water pollution offences.

Both companies pleaded guilty to the charges and were fined €500 each. Bio-marine Ingredients Ireland Limited was ordered to pay an additional €3,249.78. Stillorgan Trading Post Limited (trading as Swift Fine Foods) was ordered to pay €2,329.78.

Commenting on the recent convictions Dr Milton Matthews, North West River Basin District Director at Inland Fisheries Ireland(IFI) said: “Point source pollution events such as these are entirely avoidable through good site management and regular visual checks of discharge outlet pipes.   Unauthorised effluent discharge events can significantly impact the fish stocks and other aquatic life of receiving waters.

"Members of the public can report instances of such water pollution, illegal fishing or fish kill by calling Inland Fisheries Ireland's confidential number, 0818 34 74 24."

Convictions were secured for under section 171 of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959, for allowing effluent to enter a watercourse, (a tributary of the Knappagh River system).

                                                                       -ENDS-

For media queries contact: Sadhbh O'Neill, Communications Officer, Inland Fisheries Ireland/ sadhbh.oneill@fisheriesireland.ie / 087 101 9998

Notes to Editors

About Inland Fisheries Ireland

Inland Fisheries Ireland(IFI) is the State's environmental agency responsible for conserving, protecting, and managing Ireland's inland fisheries and sea angling resources. IFI was established under Fisheries Act on 1st July 2010 and operates under the aegis of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. There are more than 300 people working at IFI in locations nationwide, and it manages a budget of approximately €31m annually.