Donegal Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Cause of pollution of Buncrana river needs to be identified - Mac Lochlainn

Published: 31 December, 2008

Cause of pollution of Buncrana river needs to be identified - Mac Lochlainn Inishowen Sinn Féin Councillor, Pádraig Mac Lochlainn has stated that the cause of pollution of the Owenbuoy, a tributary of the Crana River, that has led to a significant loss of salmon and brown trout, needs to be established as soon as possible. Cllr Mac Lochlainn has been in contact with the Northern Regional Fisheries Board to express his serious concerns about the matter and has been assured that every effort is being made to identify the source of the pollution. Cllr Mac Lochlainn said: " We know that our salmon stock is a precious resource. A fact that has led to the removal of salmon net licences across the board in recent years. The Crana Angling club play a crucial role in protecting the amenity that is the Crana river and its salmon and brown trout stocks but they need support and rigorous back up and enforcement from the Northern Regional Fisheries Board. This pollution and consequent fish kill is of profound concern and it is of the utmost importance that the cause of the pollution is immediately identified and every possible precaution taken to ensure any further pollution". "I have been in contact with the Northern Regional Fisheries Board and I understand that every effort is being made to achieve those combined objectives. I would appeal to anyone with information that can assist them with their enquiries to come forward. Whether the cause of pollution was intended or not, it is imperative that all measures are taken to address it. I would also appeal to all agricultural, industrial, or commercial interests with land adjoining these tributaries and rivers to take every effort to avoid any further pollution into the future".