IFI prosecutes farmer for excavating riverbed gravel at salmon and trout river
Inland Fisheries Ireland(IFI) has taken a case against a farmer for damaging an important Mayo salmon and trout spawning and nursery habitat.
Sean O’Grady of Main Street, Ballycastle, Co Mayo, was found to have excavated spawning gravel from the Bellanaminnaun River bed, which was then piled onto both banks.
The unauthorised work caused damage to an approximate 500m stretch of the river.
Unauthorised work evident at site of the Bellanaminnaun River, Co Mayo, February 2025
Mary Walsh, Director of IFI's western region(Ballina) said: “The gravel dug up in this case was the spawning habitat ground for future generations of fish.
"This act needlessly disturbed and changed this part of the river, adversely impacting the natural ecology of the area."
Mr O’Grady was ordered to pay €800 in costs, and to donate €300 to IFI’s Habitats and Conservation Scheme in connection with the incident.
The case was heard at Ballina District Court on October 10th, 2025, and the Probation Act was applied in the case.
The incident occurred on February 18th, 2025.
Mary Walsh added: "The appropriate window for any instream works is between July and September, but only with the guidance and permission of IFI.
"During the closed season, from October to June, no works should take place in a river.
"Landowners and farmers need to seek all necessary and relevant information from their advisors, and from IFI, before carrying out any works near, or on, a watercourse adjacent to their land.
"Further guidance on this topic is available in the Minding Our Watercourses publication."
IFI continues to urge the public to report instances of habitat destruction, water pollution, fish kills, or illegal fishing, to its confidential 24/7 number, 0818 34 74 24.
