IFI gains conviction after portaloo waste goes into river
- €3k fine and €5,123 in costs/expenses levied in pollution case.
Inland Fisheries Ireland(IFI) has gained a conviction against a toilet hire firm after portaloo waste was pumped down a manhole that led to a river.
Philip Sinnott Toilet Hire Ltd was found to have allowed harmful waste matter to enter a Kilkenny river, and must pay a total of €8,123 in relation to the incident.
IFI officers observed the human waste fluid being placed into a manhole that led to the Lady’s Well stream - a tributary of the River Nore, at Cloghabrody, Thomastown, Co Kilkenny.
Manhole in which polluting waste was placed
The material appeared in the water as a blue liquid - arising from the colour of the chemical disinfectant used for cleaning portable toilets.
Analysis of IFI water samples taken at the location showed ammonium levels were over 1,100 times the threshold for good water status under surface water regulations.
Blue waste liquid entering Lady's Well stream
Commenting Lynda Connor Director of IFI’s south-eastern region said: "This is an extraordinary case involving toxic pollution.
"This incident contaminated the Nore Special Area of Conservation, a protected site for salmon, lamprey, and freshwater Pearl Mussel, among other species.
"It is a very serious ecological breach that had potentially lethal consequences for aquatic life in the watercourse.
"No freshwater fish mortalities were recorded as a result of this event.
Waste material flows in water.
"I commend our protection and environmental officers in their surveillance operation that led to this successful prosecution.
"It is crucial that all waste disposal companies adhere to all environmental responsibilities and regulations, at a time of increasing biodiversity loss."
Waste liquid entering main channel at the River Nore, Thomastown
The case was heard at Kilkenny District Court on October 28th, 2025.
Philip Sinnott Toilet Hire Ltd was instructed to pay a €3,000 fine, and €5,123 in costs/expenses.
The incident took place on March 12th, 2025.
Assistant Fisheries Inspector Lonan O'Farrell, and Senior Fisheries Environmental Officer Cormac Goulding, outlined the facts to the court.
They told how IFI officers observed a blue substance, accompanied by a very strong smell of sewage, in the water.
IFI urge people to report water pollution, habitat destruction, fish kills or issues of concern in their local rivers/lakes to its confidential 24/7 number, 0818 34 74 24.
