Inland Fisheries Ireland recently prosecuted two industries operating at Lough Egish Food Park in Castleblayney for polluting local waters.
At Monaghan District Court, Judge Raymond Finnegan convicted Bio-marine Ingredients Ireland Limited, and Stillorgan Trading Post Limited (trading as Swift Fine Foods) of the offences.
Both companies pleaded guilty to the charges and were fined €500 each. Bio-marine Ingredients Ireland Limited was ordered to pay an additional €3,249.78.
Stillorgan Trading Post Limited trading as Swift Fine Foods was ordered to pay €2,329.78.
Commenting on the recent convictions, Dr Milton Matthews, the North West River Basin District Director at Inland Fisheries Ireland said that point source pollution events such as these are entirely avoidable through good site management and regular visual checks of discharge outlet pipes.
He highlighted how unauthorised effluent discharge events can significantly impact the fish stocks and other aquatic life of receiving waters.
Meanwhile, members of the public can report instances of water pollution, illegal fishing or fish kills by calling Inland Fisheries Ireland's confidential number, 0818 34 74 24.
