BREAKING: Investigation launched after latest pollution incident on Limerick river

AN INVESTIGATION has been launched into the latest pollution incident in a County Limerick river.

Limerick Live was contacted this Friday with a report that discharge from the water treatment plant in Kilmallock was entering the River Loobagh.

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When contacted for comment, a spokesperson for Uisce Éireann said they are investigating a discharge at Kilmallock Water Treatment Plant. 

“The relevant bodies have been notified and Uisce Éireann is co-operating fully with Inland Fisheries Ireland and the Environmental Protection Agency.

"Further details will be shared once they become available,” said Uisce Éireann spokesperson.

It is not known if there has been a fish kill.

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) confirmed to Limerick Live that their staff responded to reports of pollution on the River Loobagh and visited the site this Friday.

"The State environmental agency’s investigation is ongoing.

"IFI urge people to report water pollution, fish kills or issues of concern in their local rivers or lakes to its confidential 24/7 number, 0818 34 74 24,” said an IFI spokesperson.

The River Loobagh has been subject to a number of pollution incidents in recent years. 

In 2014, up to 1,000 salmon and trout in the river were killed following a slurry spill. Seven months later there was another slurry spill.

In 2020, a fisherman vowed to block a pipe discharging raw sewage into the river unless the problem wasn’t sorted. He witnessed human excrement flowing out and toilet paper and female sanitary products caught in weeds. It was linked to a storm overflow from the public sewer. Whenever there is a blockage in the sewer it overflowed into the river.

A large quantity of green diesel entered the Loobagh in 2021 after thieves stole fuel from a farmer’s tank and left the valve open after they had left the scene.

The pollution incidents are in stark contrast to the extensive work that Kilmallock and Kilfinane Anglers Association have carried out to enhance the Loobagh for salmon and trout.