Department no longer says it can identify pollution in Broadhaven Bay

The Department of the Marine and Natural Resources has withdrawn its claim that it had traced the source of pollution in Broadhaven Bay, Co Mayo. The department said last week it was "satisfied" the slick was caused by illegal dumping of waste mushroom compost. The slick had been reported on September 5th.

However later in the week, it said its investigation showed that the material was organic in nature and there was "no conclusive evidence of its source or origin".

The fact that the material was found in Broadhaven Bay did not imply it was of local origin. "Due to current movements, it could have originated from outside the area," the department said.

Further investigations were unlikely as the slick was not thought to be harmful. A fishermen's organisation had sought answers after reports that a dead whale or work on the Corrib gas field pipeline might be linked to the incident.