‘Massive amount’ of rubbish removed from Tyrone river

ENVIRONMENTAL activists have taken to the water with litter pickers and bin bags for a voluntary clean-up of a Tyrone river.

The event on the River Blackwater was organised by local fisherman, Gerard McCourt, and received support from many volunteers, including members of People Before Profit, members of the ‘Love Our Lough’ group and local councillors.

Ahead of the clean-up, the Facebook group ‘Dredge the barmouth of Blackwater’ thanked local councillor Malachy Quinn, who helped supply 55 litter pickers and bin bags to anyone who wished to help.

Many local volunteers also donated their rowing boats as the much needed clean-up took place.

Their efforts have seen years worth of discarded rubbish removed from the waters in an attempt to make certain areas of the river clean and accessible, tackling just one of many issues surrounding local waters in recent months as concerns regarding issues with blue and green algae continue.

The clean-up follows recent protests which highlighted the need for the water to be dredged to allow access to Lough Neagh for local fishermen and rescue services.

In a statement following the recent effort, the ‘Dredge the barmouth of Blackwater’ Facebook page said it was an ‘absolutely fantastic day’ seeing so many people out on the river. The statement continued, “We lifted a massive amount of rubbish from the river and haven’t even put a dent in the clean-up.

“There is years and years of rubbish accumulated along the riverbanks but we had great craic with great people who genuinely care.

“We are going to keep pushing to get this place into shape.

“I want to thank every single individual that came today and made an effort.

“It shows the genuine interest and love that they have for the place.

“If only the grants and investments that have already been drawn were spent wisely on the area, we would have a lot less work on our hands.”