Thursday, 16 October 2025
October 2025: Concerns are mounting among local residents and environmental groups following a pollution incident in the River Roe, near Burnfoot, outside Dungiven, Northern Ireland. Images taken in the area appear to show slurry leaking into the river, prompting fears over the environmental impact on fish and aquatic habitats. The River Roe’s Ecological Significance The […]
October 2025: Concerns are mounting among local residents and environmental groups following a pollution incident in the River Roe, near Burnfoot, outside Dungiven, Northern Ireland. Images taken in the area appear to show slurry leaking into the river, prompting fears over the environmental impact on fish and aquatic habitats.
The River Roe is more than just a local waterway; it’s a critical ecological corridor in Northern Ireland. Flowing through the Roe Valley and into Lough Foyle, the river supports a variety of native fish species including Atlantic salmon, brown trout, and eel populations, all of which rely on clean, oxygen-rich water and healthy spawning habitats.
The surrounding riparian zones also support migratory birds, amphibians, and rare plant species, making the river an important biodiversity hotspot. Continued degradation from pollution and infrastructure development could push sensitive species toward local extinction, undermining decades of conservation work.
A member of the Roe Angling Club described the situation as part of a long-standing issue that is not being adequately addressed.
“There is no repercussions for this type of pollution. If there is, the fee is pennies which isn’t a deterrent to the people doing it,” they said. “This has been happening for years. If there is no fish killed they don’t see the long term impact. The pollution is still killing food for the fish. It is poisoning everything. There is vertebrate down on the stones and gravel that will be covered in the pollution.”
The Roe Angling Club’s concern over dwindling fish stocks is part of a broader pattern seen across Northern Ireland’s rivers. Fish stocks, especially migratory species like salmon, have declined dramatically in recent decades due to a combination of:
Water pollution
Habitat fragmentation
Overfishing
Climate change-induced temperature increases
Fish populations are often considered bioindicators, their decline reflects wider environmental health issues. When fish disappear, it’s often a sign of serious ecosystem stress.
Sinn Féin Councillor Kathleen McGurk confirmed she had been informed of the reports, which appear to show a serious pollution discharge, potentially slurry run-off.
“Local anglers have indicated that the discharge appears to be slurry run-off, which could have a significant impact on already depleted salmon and fish stocks,” said Cllr. McGurk. “This comes at a time when stocks are at their lowest and the river is operating on a catch-and-release system, so any incident like this is particularly concerning.”
She confirmed she had reported the matter to the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and said she would continue following up to ensure the source is identified and appropriate action is taken.
A Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) spokesperson confirmed that the incident was reported on the evening of Tuesday, October 7, 2025, involving a tributary of the River Roe.
“The Loughs Agency is currently leading the investigation into the incident, with the department providing support as required,” the spokesperson said.
A representative of the Loughs Agency added:
“Our Fishery Officers attended the scene of the incident and an investigation is now underway.”
In addition to the pollution, locals have also raised concerns about a newly installed storm drainage pipeline, which they say threatens critical fish spawning areas in the River Roe.
“This is definitely worrying. That is going into fish spawning areas,” said the Roe Angling Club member.
“The fish stocks are dwindling as it is and that is just not helping. As far as I see they turn a blind eye to it. They aren’t worrying about the consequences to the river after doing things like this.”
Addressing concerns about the pipeline, a spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) explained the regulatory process:
“All discharges to a watercourse or works that impact on the free flow of a watercourse require approval from DfI Rivers under the Drainage (Northern Ireland) Order 1973 – Schedule 6.As the Competent Authority, DFI Rivers are responsible under the Habitats Directive for undertaking any Habitats Regulations Assessment in relation to these applications.
“NIEA does not consent storm water discharges to the environment but does, where appropriate, consent discharges of effluents and potentially contaminated site drainage generated during construction or due to the activity taking place at the site. These consents to discharge are issued under the Water (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 and relate solely to the quality of the discharge.”
The River Roe, a vital natural and recreational resource for the local community, is once again under threat due to pollution and infrastructure concerns. While investigations are ongoing, residents and angling groups are calling for more stringent enforcement, accountability, and environmental protection measures to safeguard the river’s long-term health.
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