Inland Fisheries Ireland has investigated a pollution incident on Carrowbeg River, Co. Mayo
Media Release
Inland Fisheries Ireland has investigated a pollution incident on Carrowbeg River, Co. Mayo
Thursday, 21st of January 2021: Inland Fisheries Ireland investigated a pollution incident that occurred over the weekend of Saturday, 16th of January 2021 on the Carrowbeg River in Westport, Co. Mayo. IFI received a number of calls to the hotline number and had a report from the landowner where the pollution incident occurred. IFI staff responded to the report of an accidental detergent discharge into the Carrowbeg River on Saturday afternoon.
IFI Officers attended the scene of the incident and worked with the landowner to identify the source and to carry out immediate remedial works. The source was located and measures were undertaken to ensure there would be no further discharge. IFI staff continue to monitor the site and carried out kayak and drone surveys of the catchment area over the weekend to assess the possible fisheries implications. The surveys to date have not found any evidence of a fish kill resulting from the incident. IFI have had subsequent engagement with the landowner regarding remediation works to be undertaken at the site along with Mayo County Councils Environmental Section regarding sample analysis.
The Carrowbeg River is the main river that runs through Westport town, the river has an abundant indigenous brown trout population and is an important amenity to the local community.
Patrick Gorman, Galway Director in the Western River Basin District at Inland Fisheries Ireland said: ‘Inland Fisheries Ireland urges members of the public to be aware of the environmental risk posed to their local waterbodies should such discharges be made into road or car park drain networks. Members of the public can report suspected pollution or poaching incidents to Inland Fisheries Ireland’s 24 hour Confidential Hotline on 1890 34 74 24.’
For more information on Inland Fisheries Ireland, visit www.fisheriesireland.ie.
ENDS
For media information:
Sadhbh O’Neill
Communications Assistant
Inland Fisheries Ireland
E: sadhbh.oneill@fisheriesireland.ie
T: 01 8842632/ 087 101 9998
About Inland Fisheries Ireland
Inland Fisheries Ireland is a statutory body operating under the aegis of the Department of Environment, Climate and Communication (DECC) and was established under the Fisheries Act on 1st July 2010. Its principal function is the protection and conservation of the inland fisheries resource. Inland Fisheries Ireland promotes supports, facilitates and advises the Minister on the conservation, protection, management, development and improvement of inland fisheries, including sea angling. Inland Fisheries Ireland also develops policy and national strategies relating to inland fisheries and sea angling and advises the Minister on same.
