Over 400 pollution incidents on River Bann

In a written answer to a question asked by East Derry SDLP Assembly Member John Dallat the Minister for the Environment, Edwin Poots, disclosed that there have been 411 incidents with figures for the current year being no better.

The Minister added that no specific amount of money has been allocated for future environmental work relating to water purity and that a cross-Departmental bid for additional resources has been developed by DOE on behalf of all the government departments with a role in the River Bann.

Mr Dallat said: “The problem of pollution on the River Bann is very serious and these disturbing figures do nothing for future plans to develop the river as ‘the North’s River Shannon’.

“Money is badly needed to implement the Water Framework Directive River Basin Managements Plans through a River Restoration and Improvement Programme over the next three years.”

“It is will be interesting to learn if the 9 million needed is available after the much predicted cuts in public spending filters through the various departments involved.

“It would be shocking if pollution was to kill off the opportunities that exist to transform the River Bann from ‘the largest drainage system in the North’ into one of the finest tourist and leisure facilities anywhere on these islands.

“It is my belief that when the Ulster Canal is eventually linked up thousands of new and sustainable jobs will be created in hotels and related businesses connected to the River Bann.

“If we miss this opportunity we will be condemned for our failure to recognise one of the greatest projects ever linking not just the rivers of Ireland but these islands.”