Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has taken a prosecution against a construction firm after high levels of chlorine entered a Dublin river, killing more than 1,000 fish.
The pollution event occurred on 23 August 2023 during the commissioning of a new water treatment plant in Saggart, and impacted a 3.5km stretch of the River Camac.
IFI recorded more than 1,000 fish mortalities at the site of the incident, including approximately 500 brown trout, 250 crayfish and 250 lamprey.
Coffey Construction (I) Limited was found to have accidentally allowed harmful matter to enter the river, and now must pay €6,800 in relation to the incident. This figure comprises costs of €6,300 to IFI, plus a €500 contribution to the Little Flower Penny Dinners charity.
The case against the accused was heard at Dublin District Court on Monday 23 September.
The case was adjourned to Monday 4 November and the presiding judge indicated he would apply the Probation Act on that date if payments had been made.
Commenting after the verdict, Dr Ronan Matson, Eastern director at IFI said: “Fish kills often result from human occurrences, and are a needless and avoidable waste of the State’s existing natural resources.
“The ripple effect of ecological damage on biodiversity is long-lasting — at a time of rapid environmental change.
“IFI staff deploy an emergency response to any fish kill incident. It is crucial that any signs of concern are reported to IFI immediately to its 24/7 number, 0818 34 74 24. This enables officers to respond swiftly, find a cause and prosecute those responsible.”
