Saturday 31 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 18582Water pollution (permitting deleterious matter to enter a waterway) · Co. Clare

Uisce Éireann pleads guilty over north Clare fish kill

The company Uisce Éireann pleaded guilty at Ennis District Court to two water pollution charges over a fish kill on the Ballymacraven River, downstream of its water treatment plant at Calluragh East, Ennistymon, in north Clare. The offence dates are 2 and 18 May 2023, and up to 2,000 fish died. Inland Fisheries Ireland prosecuted the case after a member of the public reported a rusty red colour on the river. Reported on 17 January 2024, the latest development is that the case was adjourned for the facts to be heard, and other counts may be withdrawn.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court17 Jan
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Uisce Éireann, a company, pleaded guilty to two water pollution charges under Section 171 of the Fisheries Act.
Where
The offence was permitting deleterious matter to enter a waterway at Calluragh East, Ennistymon, north Clare.
When
The offence dates given are 2 and 18 May 2023.
Cause
A fish kill occurred on the Ballymacraven River downstream of a water treatment plant.
Other details
Up to 2,000 fish died in the fish kill.
Investigation
  • Inland Fisheries Ireland investigated the fish kill and prosecuted the case.
  • Inland Fisheries Ireland first became aware of the issue when a member of the public reported a rusty red colour on the river.
Charges
Other counts against Uisce Éireann may be withdrawn based on the guilty pleas.
In court
  • The case was heard at Ennis District Court, where solicitor Kevin Sherry spoke for Inland Fisheries Ireland.
  • The sources differ on timing: one says the case was adjourned for the facts to be heard, and another says it could be adjourned to next month for the facts to be heard.
9 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatUisce Éireann pleaded guilty to two water pollution charges. (clareecho.ie)
  • whereThe offence was permitting deleterious matter to enter a waterway at Calluragh East, Ennistymon. (clareecho.ie)
  • whenThe offence dates are 2 and 18 May of the previous year. (clareecho.ie)
  • causeA fish kill occurred on the Ballymacraven River downstream of a water treatment plant, with up to 2,000 fish dying. (clareecho.ie)
  • investigationInland Fisheries Ireland investigated the fish kill and prosecuted the case. (clareecho.ie)
  • investigationIFI first became aware of an ecological issue when a member of the public reported a rusty red colour on the river. (clareecho.ie)
  • chargeOther counts against Uisce Éireann can be withdrawn based on the guilty pleas. (clareecho.ie)
  • courtThe case was heard at Ennis District Court. (clareecho.ie)
  • courtThe case could be adjourned to next month for the facts to be heard. (clareecho.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 17 Jan2024
    In courtclareecho.ie, first report
    Uisce Éireann pleads guilty to two water pollution charges in connection with north Clare ‘fish kill' - Clare Echo

    Reports the company's guilty pleas to two charges under Section 171 of the Fisheries Act, with the offence dates given as 2 and 18 May 2023. The case was adjourned for the facts to be heard.

    accused, Uisce Éireann, named, irish (judged from name)Uisce Éireann