IFI investigation into pollution incident on Mayo's Carrowbeg River

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has investigated a pollution incident that occurred last weekend on the Carrowbeg River in Westport.

IFI received a number of calls to the hotline number and had a report from the landowner where the pollution incident occurred, and staff responded to the report of an accidental detergent discharge into the Carrowbeg River on Saturday afternoon (January 16).

Officers from IFI 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 continued 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 Council's environmental section regarding sample analysis.

The Carrowbeg River is the main river running through Westport town. It 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 IFI, 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.”