Angling Club "devastated" over kerosene spillage in Co. Tipperary river 

Fethard & Killusty Anglers Fly-fishing Club has said it's devastated over the kerosene spill into the River Anner. 

Club Secretary Seán Maher said the Club's members were eagerly awaiting the results of the investigation by Inland Fisheries Ireland, the EPA, National Parks and Wildlife Service and County Council into the impact  of the pollution incident on the aquatic environment and ecosystem around this unique river system. 

The spillage of an estimated 10,000 litres of kerosene oil into the River Anner south of Mullinahone resulted in Irish Water issuing a "Do Not Drink" warning on Monday afternoon to 12,000 water consumers who obtain their water supply from the Fethard Public Water Scheme. 

Tipperary Co. Council, Irish Water, the HSE and other agencies are currently working to clean up the pollution and restore full water services to consumers living in Mullinahone, Fethard, Killenaule, Gortnahoe, Ballysloe, Ballynonty, Moyglass, Mullinahone, Drangan, Glengoole, Cloneen, Ballinure, Killusty and surrounding areas. 

Mr Maher said the Fethard & Killusty Anglers Fly-fishing Club was currently optimistic that the immediate and long term effects of the pollution incident may not be as devastating as they originally feared as they have not found any evidence of a fish kill on the river in the past couple of days. 

"Our chairman Colm Hackett has covered a lot of miles and every bridge on this river in recent days.  

"However, the river is currently high due to the snow melt and the immediate effects may not be obvious until the water levels have dropped and the colour has cleared," he added. "

"We will keep club members informed on any information as soon as we have any results and encourage everyone to renew their membership this year to fish the beautiful and unique river Anner and river Clashawley."

He reiterated that the initial evidence was positive from an angling perspective and  encouraged new members both senior and juvenile to join the Club to enjoy this fantastic sport and the beautiful environment members get to be a part of every time they venture out.

Please contact Colm Hackett on 086 8397868 or Seán Maher on 085 7050580 for membership.