IFI welcomes conviction against Uisce Éireann for pollution of salmon and trout spawning habitat
- Fine, costs and expenses imposed totalling almost €6,400
Inland Fisheries Ireland(IFI) has welcomed a conviction against Uisce Éireann following a wastewater treatment plant discharge into an important salmon and trout spawning and nursery habitat.
Effluent from the Curry wastewater treatment plant in Co. Sligo entered the Owengarve River, which forms part of the River Moy Special Area of Conservation.
Uisce Éireann was found to have committed water pollution breaches, and must pay €6,374 in connection with the incident.
Commenting after the verdict Mary Walsh, IFI’s Western Director(Ballina), said: “IFI welcomes the outcome of this case.
“This poorly treated sewage discharge into the Owengarve River should never have happened.
“The river provides a pristine spawning and nursery habitat for wild Atlantic salmon and brown trout.
“The river structure and gravel river bed substrate is perfect for fish spawning.”
Pollution evident at the Owengarve River, Co Sligo, following a discharge in September 2023
Evidence presented by IFI included samples taken from the river, which showed a significantly negative impact on water quality.
IFI staff had also noted a foul-smelling odour and discolouration of effluent from the plant into the Owengarve River.
At the case, Uisce Éireann outlined mitigation measures that have been put in place since the discharge, including increased desludging, operator training, and the installation of an additional aerator.
IFI’s Mary Walsh noted: “These mitigation measures are very welcome, but we will continue to monitor the Owengarve River because of its sensitivity and importance to vulnerable fish populations.”
Pollution evident at the Owengarve River, Co Sligo, following a discharge in September 2023
The case concluded on September 25th, 2024 at Tubbercurry District Court, Co. Sligo.
Uisce Éireann must pay a fine of €3,000, and it was also ordered to pay costs and expenses of €3,374 to IFI.
The pollution incident occurred on September 6th, 2023.
IFI continues to urge the public to report instances of water pollution, fish kills, habitat destruction, or illegal fishing, to its confidential 24/7 number, 0818 34 74 24.
