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 in Co Sligo, on 6 September 2023.
Uisce Éireann was found to have committed water pollution breaches and must pay €6,374 in connection with the incident.
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.
The case concluded on Wednesday 25 September at Tubbercurry District Court in 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.
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.”
In court, Uisce Éireann outlined mitigation measures that have been put in place since the discharge, including increased de-sludging, operator training and the installation of an additional aerator.
Walsh added: “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.”
