Urgent calls for river clean-up in Tyrone

LOCAL environmental health officials and the Rivers Agency are facing urgent calls for action after a deliberate act of fly-tipping caused extensive damage to the picturesque River Blackwater in Aughnacloy, leaving plastic bags and debris strewn along its banks for over a mile.

Concerned residents are worried about the potential environmental consequences, prompting demands for a swift response to clean up the mess and minimise the impact on wildlife.

Independent Republican councillor, Kevin McElvogue, representing Mid-Ulster, highlighted the deliberate nature of the fly-tipping which has left branches of trees ‘covered in plastic’.

“It’s quite obvious that this fly-tipping has been done deliberately,” Cllr McElvogue said. “This is a dangerous mess, and needs to be cleared up as soon as possible, because it’s clear that the fish in the river and other local wildlife, including birds, are in danger from this plastic.”

Cllr McElvogue also questioned the motivations behind the irresponsible act, noting, “Surely whoever is responsible for this could have travelled just two miles to Tullyvar, where the rubbish could have been safely disposed of.”

Clogher Valley-based Sinn Féin councillor, Gael Gildernew, echoed concerns about the fly-tipping incident, and emphasised the need for a coordinated effort to address the issue across the border.

Sinn Féin held a meeting with Monaghan county councillors near the site of the dumping yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon.

“I totally condemn this fly-tipping incident of waste materials into the Blackwater river,” she said.

“I have been liaising with various agencies, including Mid Ulster District Council’s Environmental Health Department, NIEA, The Rivers Agency, and Waterways Ireland to ensure a comprehensive clean up.”