ONE of the finest salmon rivers in Ireland – and a very important spawning area – has become a dumping ground and fishermen and those who walk its banks are furious.
Liam Slattery, who has been fishing the Shannon at Plassey for over 35 years, has produced photographic evidence to back up claims of offensive and disfiguring litter that is posing a serious threat to the environmental balance and natural habitat of the fish stocks.
Speaking to this newspaper he said: “It is unbelievable what is being thrown into this beautiful stretch of river, from television sets and household waste to bicycles, not to mention oil barrels from nearby construction sites.
“The anti-social antics and criminal damage of a few irresponsible people is a disgrace.
“Oil is actually creeping into the river system. Bottles and cans and other rubbish are ditched from the bridges linking both sides of Plassey, resulting in an unacceptable amount of litter on its banks on an almost daily basis”.
The fishermen, said Liam, are cleaning up regularly.
“I don’t like apportioning blame but there are students who must stand up and be counted. The problem escalated during the recent Rag Week, but is really happening on an ongoing basis”.
The river, he added, was there for all to enjoy and he asked everyone who use and enjoy its magnificent facilities to be extra vigilant.
In a direct plea, he said: “we all have a responsibility here. The place must not be allowed to become an eyesore. Were it not for the fishermen who give of their time in trying to preserve image, it would be in a terrible state. However, there is only a certain amount we can do.
“We bring grapple hooks with us to clear out the rubbish, and fishing in the area is hindered because of the assortment of waste floating in the river and on its bed”.
