Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has gained a conviction against an environmental engineering firm following a toxic chemical spill into a Co Tipperary river.
Glanua Group Ltd was found to have caused harmful matter to flow into the River Suir at Holycross on 12 September 2024 and was directed to pay fines and costs/expenses of €5,561.
The firm operates Thurles Water Treatment Plant in Holycross on behalf of Uisce Éireann — a facility that was built within the last five years.
The case was heard at Thurles District Court on Tuesday 18 February.
Evidence was given by IFI fisheries environmental officer Oliver McGrath, who outlined the facts to the court.
The court heard the pollution involved a significant discharge that had been going on for a period of time.
Glanua Group Ltd was ordered to pay a fine of €2,500 and costs/expenses of €3,061 to IFI.
Commenting, Lynda Connor, south-eastern regional director at IFI said: “In this case the River Suir had approximately 400 metres of a yellowish cream deposit on the river bed.
“Aluminium sulphate entering a river poses a major threat to aquatic ecosystems.
“This chemical has the potential to be very toxic for fish and invertebrates depending on water levels and conditions at the time.
“This successful prosecution is part of Inland Fisheries Ireland’s very determined efforts to protect the State’s rivers, streams and lakes.”
