Ireland Building firm spared conviction for causing fish kill in River Camac, Dublin
On 23 August 2023, about 1,000 fish died in the River Camac near the Saggart waterworks in Dublin after a mechanical failure let pure chlorine discharge from a pipe into the river. Inland Fisheries Ireland prosecuted Coffey Construction Ltd, a building firm, which pleaded guilty in September 2024 to causing deleterious matter to enter the Camac. At Dublin District Court on 4 November 2024, Judge Anthony Halpin applied the Probation of Offenders Act, so no conviction was recorded. The firm was ordered to pay €6,300 toward prosecution costs and to donate €500 to a charity, which is the latest reported development.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In courtnot reported
- Verdictnot reported
- Sentenced4 Nov
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Coffey Construction Ltd, a building firm, was prosecuted for causing deleterious matter to enter waters, a pollution offence.
- Where
- The pollution entered the River Camac in Dublin near the Saggart waterworks.
- When
- The incident occurred on 23 August 2023.
- Cause
- A mechanical failure during a process at the plant led to a discharge of pure chlorine from a pipe into the river.
- Other details
- About 1,000 fish died, including 500 brown trout, 250 crayfish native to Ireland and 250 lampreys.
- The pipes are now double bunged to prevent a repeat.
- Investigation
- Inland Fisheries Ireland prosecuted the firm after finding the dead fish in the river.
- Charges
- Coffey Construction Ltd pleaded guilty in September 2024 to causing deleterious matter to enter the Camac.
- In court
- Judge Anthony Halpin noted that the firm had no previous convictions and had co-operated with Inland Fisheries Ireland.
- The firm's solicitor said Coffey Construction employed 350 staff and had won awards from various bodies.
- Sentence
- On 4 November 2024 the judge applied the Probation of Offenders Act, so no conviction was recorded.
- The firm paid €6,300 toward prosecution costs and donated €500 to a charity.
11 statements extracted from the articles
- whereThe pollution caused a fish kill in the River Camac in Dublin. (thejournal.ie)
- whenAbout 1,000 fish died near the Saggart waterworks on 23 August 2023. (thejournal.ie)
- causeA mechanical failure during a process at the plant led to a discharge of pure chlorine from a pipe into the river. (thejournal.ie)
- investigationInland Fisheries Ireland prosecuted the firm after finding the dead fish in the river. (thejournal.ie)
- chargeCoffey Construction Ltd pleaded guilty in September to causing deleterious matter to enter the Camac. (thejournal.ie)
- courtJudge Anthony Halpin noted the firm had no prior convictions and had co-operated with IFI. (thejournal.ie)
- courtThe firm's solicitor said Coffey Construction employed 350 staff and had won awards from various bodies. (thejournal.ie)
- sentenceCoffey Construction paid €6,300 toward prosecution costs and donated €500 to a charity. (thejournal.ie)
- sentenceThe judge applied the Probation of Offenders Act. (thejournal.ie)
- otherThe fish kill killed 500 brown trout, 250 crayfish native to Ireland and 250 lampreys. (thejournal.ie)
- otherThe pipes are now double bunged to prevent a repeat. (thejournal.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 4 Nov2024Building firm spared conviction for causing fish kill in Dublin’s River Camac last year
First report of the court outcome: guilty plea in September 2024, Probation of Offenders Act applied on 4 November 2024, with no conviction recorded.
accused, Coffey Construction Ltd, named, irish (judged from name)Coffey Construction Ltd