Tipperary's rivers have suffered 'dramatic decline' in water quality

LAWPRO representative Dr Fran Igoe told the councillors of Nenagh Municipal District during their recent monthly meeting that there has been a “dramatic decline” in the water quality of North Tipp's rivers, “more dramatic than in many other counties.”
Dr Igoe showed two maps outlining the significant decline in water quality in North Tipperary's rivers during the last ten years. These maps showed several contributing causes to the decline but the biggest contributing sector was the agricultural sector.
He said Irish Water, the OPW, Inland Fisheries Ireland, and the Local Authorities come together regularly to discuss water issues.
He added that clean water is very important because it supports a wide range of sectors, industries and our wellbeing.
LAWPRO (the Local Authority Waters Programme) is pointing out that the watercourses of North Tipperary have experienced “a 63% drop in quality” since 2016.
In surveys carried out by the EPA, the results of which can be viewed on catchments.ie, the data shows a very concerning downward trend for many of the region's rivers and streams. By contrast, Lough Derg has improved somewhat, improving from a Poor rating to Moderate. Dr Igoe said rivers have large amounts of brown silt and green algae. He pointed out that the Ballyfinboy river in the Borrisokane area is an important river for trout and salmon.
Cllr Seamus Morris commented that the Clareen Stream near Nenagh is being so badly treated that it's “the Palestine of rivers. A local company has been fined for discharging refuse into it. The Nenagh River is one of the most polluted rivers in the region, because of the pipes discharging into it. The EPA, in 2023, said one of the pipes was unlicensed. Uisce Eireann said the Nenagh River is in good condition. That is a completely false statement.”
Cllr Michael O'Meara said he's seen a “sea change” in farmers' attitude to the environment. “Most farmers I know are very keen to look after the environment,” he remarked.