LATEST: IFI secures river pollution conviction against group in Tipperary

Inland Fisheries Ireland has gained a conviction against an environmental engineering firm following a toxic chemical spill into a Tipperary river.

Glanua Group Ltd was found to have caused harmful matter to flow into the River Suir at Holycross, and was directed to pay fines and costs/expenses of €5,561.

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The firm operates Thurles Water Treatment Plant on behalf of Uisce Éireann, a facility that was built within the last five years.

Commenting, Lynda Connor, South Eastern regional director at IFI, said: “In this case the River Suir had approximately 400m of a yellowish cream deposit on the river bed.

“Aluminium sulphate entering a river poses a major threat to aquatic ecosystems.

“This chemical has the potential to be very toxic for fish and invertebrates depending on water levels, and conditions at the time.

“This successful prosecution is part of Inland Fisheries Ireland’s very determined efforts to protect the State’s rivers, streams, and lakes.”

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The court heard the pollution involved a significant discharge that had been going on for a period of time.

Glanua Group Ltd was ordered to pay a fine of €2,500, and costs/expenses of €3,061 to IFI.

Evidence was given by IFI Fisheries Environmental Officer Oliver McGrath who outlined the facts to the court.

The case was heard at Thurles District Court on February 18, 2025.

The incident took place on September 12, 2024.

IFI urge people to report water pollution, illegal fishing, habitat destruction, fish kills or issues of concern in their local rivers/lakes to its confidential 24/7 number, 0818 34 74 24.