The leader of Independent Ireland, Michael Collins, is calling for a review of all State-managed water treatment plants and infrastructure.
The comments follow the successful conviction of Uisce Éireann following a harmful discharge that caused the deaths at least 5,000 fish in Co. Cork.
The case was brought by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) following a discharge into the River Allow from the Freemount water treatment plant on June 9, 2024.
At Mallow District Court on Monday (December 16), Judge Colm Roberts imposed a fine of €3,500 for a breach of Section 171(1) of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959, and payment of €3,267 in costs.
Water treatment plants
Deputy Collins condemned what he said was the State’s failure to protect Ireland’s waterways following the destruction of an 8km stretch of the Cork river.
He said that the conviction of Uisce Éireann in Mallow District Court highlights systemic failures in managing public infrastructure.
“It is clear that the State itself is the biggest polluter of our waterways.
“While indigenous industries, particularly our farmers, are unfairly vilified and punished, we see yet another catastrophic failure caused by State mismanagement.
“This incident in the River Allow is not an isolated case—Uisce Éireann has been prosecuted 18 times since 2015. Enough is enough.
“We need accountability, proper oversight, and a full investigation into all instances of State-caused pollution,” he said.
Deputy Collins said that farmers and small business owners are “constantly burdened with regulation and blame, yet the State continues to operate infrastructure that fails repeatedly, leading to untold environmental damage”.
“This double standard must end. We need a robust, independent investigation into all pollution caused by State bodies, and we must ensure that solutions are implemented immediately to protect our natural resources.
“We have been advocating for for improved water infrastructure throughout the country and this is another example of how they have failed in this most basic of needs,” he said.
Along with a national review of State-run water treatment plants, Independent Ireland is seeking increased penalties for environmental negligence by State bodies and an independent investigation into all incidents of pollution caused by the State since 2015.