Windfarm company fined for polluting Leitrim waterway

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has successfully prosecuted a windfarm company for polluting a waterway in County Leitrim.

The company was found responsible for the discharge of silt into a tributary of the River Bonet, resulting in a total penalty of €4,900.

The pollution incident occurred in January 2024 at Lisnagowan, within the Bonet River and Belhavel Lough catchment area.

Belhavel Lough is a freshwater lake situated in north County Leitrim, approximately 2 km south of the village of Killarga and 5 km north of Drumkeeran. The small lake drains eastward into the Diffagher River, which eventually flows into Lough Allen .

Mary Walsh, IFI’s Western Region Director, commented on the case, “The Bonet River is a sensitive habitat already under environmental pressure. The fishery is currently restricted to catch-and-release only due to declining salmon numbers. This incident posed a serious threat to water quality, fish populations, and the wider natural environment.”

In a related case, IFI also prosecuted a plant hire firm following another discharge of sediment into the same river system at Lisnagowan in January 2024.

The company was given the benefit of the Probation Act and directed to make a €1,000 charitable donation, as well as pay €1,000 in costs to IFI.

IFI is urging the public to report any suspected water pollution, fish kills, or environmental concerns to its confidential 24/7 hotline at 0818 34 74 24.