North Tipp Councillor slams Lough Derg Pipe as an 'Ecocide project'

A NORTH Tipperary Councillor has slammed the proposed Water Pipe from Lough Derg to Dublin as being an “Ecocide Project.”
The government approved the project in June 2024, and construction is anticipated to begin in 2027, though further environmental assessments and public consultation are still required. It's anticipated that the 172 kilometre Pipe will cost from €6 billion to €10 billion to construct.
Cllr Seamus Morris told the October meeting of Nenagh Municipal District that he is very concerned about Lough Derg's state of health at the moment. “We are seeing a rise in green algae, which is very worrying. The lake is very vulnerable at the moment. To plant the Pipe on top of that would not just be irresponsible; it would be Ecocide. There's a massive amount of slurry going into the lake from the land and when the ESB lowers the lake's water level the green algae increases.”
When a lake level drops, it can reduce overall water circulation and increase stagnant areas, providing a favourable environment for algae to thrive.
“Fishermen tell me,” Cllr Morris continued, “that the health of the lake is poor. Look at Lough Neagh which is in serious trouble with green algae. Lough Derg seems to be heading in the same direction.”
Cllr Michael O'Meara agreed with Cllr Morris. He queried the way the Shannon system is being run. “The Callows land north of Portumna is suffering from flooding instances which are putting farmers' livestock under pressure. The Corncrake is gone because of summer flooding in the Callows. The flooding means the Callows farmers can't harvest their hay and crops.”
Cllr O'Meara said it was his opinion that the Shannon has been “raped and pillaged by the State. For decades Bord na Móna dumped acid material in the form of peat into it; which means much of the Shannon bed is covered by a black peaty mould-type material, one of the causes of which is that Cruisers can't go too near the shores or they could get stuck. I'm firmly convinced that the Shannon was destroyed by the State.”
Cllr O'Meara added that it was wrong that none of the Just Transition fund of €130 million went to North Tipperary, “in spite of the fact that Bord na Móna's actions have adversely affected our area.
“I agree with Cllr Morris. I think the Pipe will really destroy the Shannon but, unfortunately, it will be very hard to stop the project going ahead.”
Cllr O'Meara pointed out that the amount of nitrates on farmland has been significantly reduced. “Farmers will work with you if you give them a chance.”
Cllr Morris commented that the area's “peaty water” has to be treated to make it drinkable. “But we have to put in THMs, which are chemicals, to make the water drinkable. THMs at a high rate can be cancerous.”
Cllr John Carroll commented that the Shannon is a slow flowing river and a drop in its levels could have an adverse effect on the lake's health. He called for a public meeting about the Pipe and the lake's future.
“Lough Derg is the jewel in our region's crown. We need a meeting with all the stakeholders, to deliberate upon the issues and then act upon them. It's very worrying to read the EPA reports stating the water quality in a number of rivers and streams in North Tipperary has gone significantly down,” he said.
Cllr Pamela Quirke O'Meara said she agreed with Cllrs Morris and O'Meara. She said there is an issue with the governance of the Shannon system. She pointed out that it was very worrying that there was a huge fish kill in the Mallow area of the Blackwater and we still have no information about what caused it.
Cllr Morris pointed out that the Council spent €800,000 on phase one of the Historic Quarter project in Nenagh “and Phase 2 might never happen. This is taxpayers' money. It's an awful waste. You would have to question how things are done in this country.”

  Blue-green algae typically blooms on Lough Derg waters during the May to October period, during which a "bright pea-green paint-like scum may appear on or close to the shoreline." People are advised to exercise caution. The Council advises the public to "avoid contact with this bloom scum as it may cause skin irritation. Keep children away from the shoreline. Keep all domestic and farm animals, especially dogs, away from the water and any shoreline scum. Ensure animals have an alternative source of drinking water."

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