Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has gained a conviction against Uisce Éireann following a wastewater treatment plant discharge into a wild brown trout habitat.
Uisce Éireann was found to have committed pollution breaches relating to the Balla Wastewater Treatment Plant, Co Mayo and must now pay €3,165 in connection with the case.
The incident happened at the Rodney River, a tributary of the Manulla River in Co Mayo, on 20 May this year.
The case was heard at Castlebar District Court on 20 November. Uisce Éireann was instructed to pay a fine of €750 and ordered to pay costs and expenses of €2,415 to IFI.
Mary Walsh, director of IFI’s western region (Ballina) said: “IFI welcomes the outcome of this case, and will continue to monitor and protect this vulnerable river habitat.
“This catchment is under environmental pressure and requires robust protection. Fortunately, no fish died as a result of the pollution.
“The discharge of poorly treated sewage from the Balla Wastewater Treatment Plant increased the nutrient concentration of the river water.
“This can make it less suitable to sensitive fish species such as brown trout and the insects they feed on.”
