(L-R) Allen Flemming, Chairperson and David Kennedy, Development Officer of the Crumlin and District Angling Association on the Crumlin River.
The Crumlin and District Angling Association have received confirmation by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), that despite a major pollution incident on the Crumlin River on 12th February 2023, which resulted in the killing of 3,500 fish within a 6km section, no prosecution will be forthcoming.
Speaking today, Friday 22 November, David Kennedy, Development Officer with the Crumlin and District Angling Association said:
“It was alarming to learn this week that, despite over 3,500 being killed in a major pollution incident in 2023 that there will be no prosecution forthcoming.
“As it currently stands there is no recompense for our Angling club, as the managers of these waters. There is no way for us to reinstate what we have lost in terms of the number of fish and the damage to the entire ecosystem and habitat.
"Our river is in a much poorer state due to this major pollution incident, as will be Lough Neagh, where ultimately all this pollution ends up.
“It was only this week that Minister Muir announced an independent review to strengthen environmental governance, with the appointment of a three-member panel. This could not be a more opportune time.
“Quite frankly the system of reporting, investigating, ranking and bringing a case to completion is broken. Of the major fish kills across Northern Ireland between 2019 and 2023, amazingly 32 out of 49 saw no prosecution.
“Of a total of 41 confirmed pollution incidents on the Crumlin River alone over the same period, shockingly only one single case was brought to prosecution, a prosecution that was later dropped.
“Polluters will continue to pollute with impunity while the current approach continues.
“It is our view the urgent change is needed. We will be writing to both the Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and the independent panel, asking for a meeting to urgently address these concerns.”