Mayo lake 'may take years' to recover from pollution incident

It may take years for Clare Lake in Claremorris to recover from last year's pollution incident, which resulted in the deaths of almost 1,000 fish. 

Effluent from Uisce Éireann’s wastewater pumping station in Claremorris flowed into Clare Lake last April, killing at least 945 fish over a two-week period. The company pleaded guilty at Castlebar District Court on January 7th last to water pollution breach and must pay a fine of €4,000 as well as €7,131 in costs and expenses to Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI).

IFI has welcomed the conviction but has warned that the damage may be long-lasting.

Dr Rachel Cooper, IFI’s Galway Director, said: “A large number of fish, including perch and roach, were impacted in this very damaging event. It may take years for Clare Lake to recover.

"Pollution incidents such as these severely affect water quality and pose a serious threat to our natural environment, and fish stocks."

The lake is a well-used and very important local angling amenity, with floating fishing stands, wheelchair access, and seating areas for members of the public. These works were completed by IFI in 2016, in conjunction with a local Community Employment Scheme initiative.

Dr Cooper said the incident may have also had a secondary impact on water quality in the River Robe as the lake forms part of its catchment.

IFI continues to urge the public to report instances of water pollution, fish kills, habitat destruction, or illegal fishing, to its confidential 24/7 number on 0818 34 74 24.