Uisce Eireann has been fined for sewerage being discharged into a river in County Sligo.
The pollution incident occurred on September 6th, 2023.
Effluent from the Curry wastewater treatment plant entered the Owengarve River, which forms part of the River Moy Special Area of Conservation.
It’s said to be an important salmon and trout spawning and nursery habitat.
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.
At the case, Uisce Éireann outlined mitigation measures that have been put in place since the discharge, including increased desludging, operator training, and the installation of an additional aerator.
Uisce Éireann was found to have committed water pollution breaches, and must pay €6,374 in connection with the incident.
Commenting after the verdict Mary Walsh, IFI’s Western Director (Ballina), said that this poorly treated sewage discharge into the Owengarve River should never have happened.
The case concluded on September 25th, 2024 at Tubbercurry District Court.
Uisce Éireann must pay a fine of €3,000, and it was also ordered to pay costs and expenses of €3,374 to IFI.
