Tyrone river blockage could cause ‘catastrophe’

A LOCAL fisherman has expressed major concern after more than 30 trees on a bank of the River Blackwater were cut down and left in the water, adding to further debris that is blocking access to Lough Neagh.

Gerard McCourt, who has been campaigning to have the River Blackwater dredged, has been unable to access the lough in recent years due to a blockage of sand and debris.

This has had a major impact on his income and now he fears that the recently-felled trees could further add to a potential catastrophe if a boat was to collide with one.

Further concerns regarding access for rescue services via Lough Neagh have also been expressed by Mr McCourt.

The river now runs from around ten feet deep to only 18 inches at a crucial entry point that offers access to Lough Neagh.

Speaking with the Tyrone Herald, Mr McCourt said the trees that were cut down on Monday were “big and healthy”.

He said, “Anything running through the river is now sure to get stuck and add to the problem.”

Mr McCourt said he had been ‘begging for help’ to dredge the water in recent years.

The fisherman said that he had priced how much it would cost and had plans to raise the money through numerous fundraising initiatives.

He continued, “I have written permission from the Earl of Shaftesbury to do this, as well as from local fisheries, land owners and DfI Rivers, but I need permission from the NI Environment Agency.”

With the River Blackwater running between both Tyrone and Armagh, Mr McCourt has issued a plea to both the Mid Ulster and Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon councils to meet him on site to discuss options.

“I’m not asking for them to pay for it,” he explained.

“I just need permission from them to carry out the work that needs to be done and we can most definitely raise the funds and get the job done.”

Mr McCourt said that if the council were able to fund the operation, the work would need to be carried out by a recognised group.

“A feasibility study has been carried out,” he explained.

“However, since that, there has been absolutely nothing done on the ground. No tests carried out, or no samples taken to determine where the spoil will go when it comes from the river.”