Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has gained a conviction against environmental engineering firm, Glanua Group Ltd, following damage to the River Suir.

The firm operates Thurles Water Treatment Plant on behalf of Uisce Éireann – a facility that was built within the last five years.

Glanua Group was found to have caused harmful matter to flow into the River Suir at Holycross, Co. Tipperary, and was directed to pay fines and costs or expenses of €5,561.

The court heard that the pollution involved a significant discharge that had been going on for a period of time.

South eastern regional director at IFI, Lynda Connor said: “In this case the River Suir had approximately 400m of a yellowish cream deposit on the river bed. Aluminium sulphate entering a river poses a major threat to aquatic ecosystems.“This chemical has the potential to be very toxic for fish and invertebrates depending on water levels, and conditions at the time.

“This successful prosecution is part of Inland Fisheries Ireland’s very determined efforts to protect the state’s rivers, streams, and lakes.”

Evidence was given by IFI fisheries environmental officer Oliver McGrath who outlined the facts to Thurles District Court on February 18, 2025. The incident was recorded to have taken place on September 12, 2024.

Glanua Group Ltd was ordered to pay a fine of €2,500, and costs or expenses of €3,061 to the IFI.

The IFI has urged people to report water pollution, illegal fishing, habitat destruction, fish kills or issues of concern in their local rivers or lakes to its confidential 24/7 number.