Anger over agreement to revive Omagh hydro-scheme

ANGLERS in the Omagh area have expressed frustration at a decision by the local council to press ahead with plans to resurrect a controversial £1.4 million hydro-electric scheme on the Camowen River.

The decision was taken at a meeting of Fermanagh and Omagh Council’s Policy and Resources meeting last Thursday night.

The local authority has decided to develop the scheme – which is located close to Omagh Leisure Complex – and seek expressions of interest for the plant to be operated externally from the council.

The recommendation was passed by a vote of 16-15, but with agreement that anglers be approached on the issue.

A total of 25 per-cent of salmon spawning in the Foyle catchment area proceed along the Camowen River and there are concerns the hydro-scheme could damage stocks.

The decision by the council comes just a week after a major pollution incident in the Aughlish River between Dromore and Fintona which again highlighted concerns over the threats to the salmon populations locally.

Last year, it was revealed in the Ulster Herald that the hydro scheme had not delivered on the predicted £250,000 in energy savings during the previous four years. It has not been operational due to damage caused by river silt and debris.

Speaking to the Tyrone Herald, the Secretary of Omagh Angling Association, Terry Smithson, said it was “deeply concerning” that the scheme is once again back on the agenda.

“Fermanagh and Omagh District Council should be working to secure salmon stocks on the Camowen, rather than threatening them still further by resurrecting this hydro-scheme,” he said.

“It has been on the agenda now for 14 years and the money spent during that time could and should have been invested in helping the salmon, especially considering the concerns about the falling populations of salmon and the threats that they are facing.

“This hydro-scheme is detrimental to the future of salmon stocks. It won’t be operated when water levels are not at the required height and anglers and I generally reiterate our call for it to be abandoned.”

Independent councillor, Emmett McAleer, told the council meeting that he had been contacted by several angling groups expressing their concerns about the proposal to revive the hydro scheme.

Omagh Town Sinn Finn councillor, Barry McElduff, said that anglers’ voices must be heard on this issue. The scheme has recently received accrediation from OfGEN.