Press release 14 January 2015

Farmer Convicted over Slurry Pollution

Arising from a pollution incident on 3 March 2014 Inland Fisheries Ireland brought legal proceedings against Mr Donal Connaughton of Elfeet Newtowncashel, County Longford. A custodial sentence, fines and costs were imposed on Mr Connaughton on conviction.

The pollution emanated from the overflow of numerous slatted pig slurry tanks at Mr Connaughton's property.  Mr Connaughton had removed the roofs over the slatted units without disposing of the pig manure contained in these slatted units. Over time the tanks filled up and a discharge of deleterious and polluting matter was detected and 3 March 2014. This effluent was polluting a small tributary which would go through a small lake and discharge into L Ree.

The case initially came to court on 21 October 2014. Judge Hughes recognised that there would be a continuing problem at this unit unless steps could be taken to alleviate matters. Judge Hughes requested that a task force be set up to include Inland Fisheries Ireland, other statutory agencies, and in particular Longford County Council which would have the primary role in coordinating efforts to initially stop the pollution and ultimately to dispose of the pig slurry contained in the tanks.

The task force was set up and some funding was secured from the Department of the Environment to enable work to commence.  A 330,000 gallon steel tank which contained a large amount of soiled water was emptied. This allows other slurry tanks on the premises to have their levels lowered to a safe level by pumping the excess to this steel tank. The making safe operation is ongoing.
On 13 January 2015 this matter was again before the court and Judge Hughes having heard evidence from all parties including Mr Connaughton indicated that he would pass judgement in the case. Judge Hughes indicated that he was most unhappy with Mr Connaughton's efforts to help to solve the problem and that it was a potential "timebomb" that now had to be dealt with by the taxpayer.
Judge Hughes convicted Mr. Connaughton on three charges and imposed a fine of €3000 in respect of these offences and costs and expenses of €5,412.50.

In respect of the conviction under Section 171 of the Fisheries Consolidation Act 1959 and also the conviction under Section 3 (1) of the Local Government (Water Pollution) Acts, Judge Hughes applied a custodial sentence of 10 weeks in respect of each charge, both to run concurrently.

It is hoped that the work commenced by the task force set up at behest of the court will continue until all the pig manure has been removed and appropriately land spread.  Final steps can then be taken to prevent any recurrence of the pollution.

...Ends...

Media enquiries

Suzanne Campion,
Head of Business Development, 
Inland Fisheries Ireland

Mob: 087-2690183 Tel: 052 6180055
Fax: 052 6123971 
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Notes to Editor

Inland Fisheries Ireland is a statutory body operating under the aegis of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and was established under the Fisheries Act on 1st July 2010. Its principal function is the protection and conservation of the inland fisheries resource. IFI promotes, supports, facilitates and advises the Minister on, the conservation, protection, management, development and improvement of inland fisheries, including sea angling. It also develops and advises the Minister on policy and national strategies relating to inland fisheries and sea angling. www.fisheriesireland.ie.