Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has secured a conviction against Uisce Éireann after sewage discharged into an important spawning river for wild brown trout in Co Cavan.
Untreated sewage effluent from Uisce Éireann's sewer network entered into the Pound River, a tributary of the Mountnugent River which flows into Lough Sheelin.
IFI took samples after the incident in May 2024 and detected a level of ammonia in the water that was toxic to fish, insects and other aquatic life. The case was heard at Cavan District Court on 7 February.
Uisce Éireann was found to have committed a water pollution breach, and must pay a fine of €3,000, as well as IFI's costs and expenses of €6,158 for the case.
In recognition of the pollution's significant impact, Uisce Éireann also agreed to contribute €12,000 to a future habitat improvement plan which will remediate the Pound River for 1.3km downstream of the discharge location and help restore trout stocks. IFI says it's invested €20,000 in 2024 on improving the river's habitat upstream of the discharge location.
