Thurles Information

IFI secures conviction against cheese maker for slurry pollution offence.

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has secured a conviction against a dairy production firm for slurry pollution of a tributary of the River Suir, and have been ordered to pay fines and costs of €7,440.

The Tipperary Cheese Company Ltd was found to have caused slurry to flow into the Clover River system at Leigh, Two Mile Borris, Thurles Co. Tipperary

Commenting, Ms Lynda Connor (South-Eastern regional director at IFI) said: “The Clover River was found to be in a poor condition, with polluting material discharging into this river from a drain full of slurry”.
Ms Connor added “Ensuring clean and healthy water is not just a responsibility, but a necessity for the survival of fish and the ecosystems they thrive in. This successful prosecution is part of Inland Fisheries Ireland’s very determined efforts to protect the State’s rivers, streams, and lakes.”

The court heard the evidence for the defence did not match up with photographs which showed deep slurry in the water, not just a spillage, and the issue had been ongoing for a considerable time before action was taken.

It was noted that the pollution constituted a very serious breach on the part of The Tipperary Cheese Company Ltd.

Evidence was given by IFI Fisheries Environmental Officer Mr Oliver McGrath who outlined the facts to the court.  The incident took place in December 2023 and was heard at Thurles District Court on February 18th 2025.

IFI urge people to report water pollution, illegal fishing activity, habitat destruction, fish kills or issues of concern in their local rivers/lakes; to its confidential 24/7 number, 0818 34 74 24.