Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has secured a conviction against a creamery co-op for the pollution of a Co Tipperary river.
Tipperary Cooperative was found to have committed water pollution offences at the River Ara in Tipperary town — and must now pay €7,178 by way of a fine and costs for the incident.
The case was heard at Nenagh District Court on 25 September. Evidence was given by IFI fisheries environmental officer Oliver McGrath, who outlined the facts to the court.
The pollution event occurred over the May bank holiday weekend this past summer.
Tipperary Cooperative was found to have permitted or caused a harmful discharge to fall into the River Ara, and ordered to pay a fine of €4,000.
The dairy processor must also pay costs of €3,178 to IFI.
Commenting after the court verdict, Lynda Connor, South-Eastern director at IFI said: “This successful prosecution is part of Inland Fisheries Ireland’s very determined efforts to protect the State’s rivers, streams and lakes.
“The River Ara is in an unsatisfactory condition in Tipperary town.
“Outcomes like this are to be welcomed. They safeguard and protect the river for residents of the town, the flora and fauna of the river itself — as well as the wider River Suir catchment.”
