Angling Notes: Uisce Éireann fined for sewage spill

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has welcomed the outcome of a case brought against Uisce Éireann involving sewage pollution of the Cavan town river. It comes after previously secured prosecution in October for pollution of the Ballinagh River, during which 160 fish died.

In the incident test samples taken downstream from Uisce Éireann’s wastewater treatment plant showed high levels of pollutants, with large amounts of sewage fungus visible on the bed of the river.

A fine of €2,000, plus costs and expenses of €3,197, were imposed at a hearing at Cavan District Court on December 1st 2023.

Dr Milton Matthews, director of IFI, said: “The presence of sewage fungus is indicative of chronic organic pollution of Cavan River, rather than an isolated incident - with significant impact on fish, invertebrates and all aquatic life in the river.

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“There were significant breaches of the licence emission limits for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) - oxygen required to break down organic matter in the water - and high ammonia levels.

“Sample results taken at the location indicated that ammonia levels were over 115 times higher than permitted discharge limits, and eight times higher than permissible for BOD limits as stipulated for this treatment plant.”

The court heard that due to ongoing issues at the plant senior IFI Ailish Keane had taken samples for analysis, which indicated high levels of pollutants.

The conviction was secured under Section 171 of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959 – legislation regarding protection of fishing waters from harmful pollutants.

Members of the public are encouraged to report instances of water pollution, illegal fishing, habitat destruction, or fish kills to Inland Fisheries Ireland’s confidential number, 0818 34 74 24.

Get your own licence

Members of the public must be in possession of your salmon and sea trout licence before fishing. You are now responsible for downloading and printing your own licence and logbook.

Please allow up to four working days for tags postage (where applicable) so be sure to order on time if you want to harvest a fish. Anglers are reminded that they must return their completed logbook and unused tags to their IFI office within 7 days of the licence expiry and no later than 19th October of the relevant year

Pipped to the post

Although just one fish behind Reece Bannister, local angler Stewart McGrane just pipped by 0.6oz to take the number one spot in last Saturday’s final at the winter league in Annamoe Trout Fisheries in Co Wicklow.

If you have an angling story to share, please send to me at angling@irishtimes.com