Offaly County Council investigating dumping of barley in stream
OFFALY County Council says it is investigating the dumping of barley into a stream at Garbally, Blueball.
The stream which is used by some to provide water for cattle appears to be almost choked in one section.
One person who complained, said the barley could easily block drains and growth could occur.
Council personnel have been out to inspect the stream but up to yesterday the barley remained in the water.
A statement from the council said: ''Offaly County Council confirm an environmental complaint was received and assigned to the Environment Section for investigation.
Following investigation, Offaly County Council are working with relevant parties to address the issue within an agreed timeframe.
Offaly County Council will follow up with further investigation to ensure the matter is appropriately dealt with.'
A recent press release from waters.ie stated that, ''The Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) is working to identify the issues affecting water quality in every county in Ireland to help improve and protect our natural waters.
Where issues are identified, we collaborate with the relevant local authority, public body, and water stakeholder to find a solution. Community engagement is the driver of this approach to combine local and expert knowledge for a better understanding of what’s happening in a local catchment and waterbody.
Good water quality benefits everybody. It is essential for public health and wellbeing and allows our economy to thrive. It supports growth in sectors like tourism, manufacturing and agri-foods, especially in rural areas. It is also essential for nature to flourish, and it is recognised that many of measures needed to protect and improve water quality can also deliver benefits for nature, air quality and climate change. This shows the mutual benefits of protecting our natural environment.''