A sheep and cattle farmer, who dug up 300 metres of the Srahnalong river bed, which runs through his land, was before Ballinrobe District Court sitting in Castlebar last week, as the farmer carried out these works during a protected spawning season.
Kevin Rogers, senior environmental officer with the Western Regional Fisheries Board, outlined that on November 26 2008 he inspected the river which flowed through the land of James Shaughnessy, Derrypark, Tourmakeady.
Mr Rogers said that a track machine was beside the river which was used to excavate gravel from the sand bed and move it to the banks of the river. The SEO explained that during November it is closed season for such works as it is spawning season in the river for fish such as trout which come from the River Moy. According to Mr Rogers, 100 metres of spawning channel was damaged and 200 metres in conservation was also damaged.
Defending solicitor Terry Mullan said that the river which flows through Shaughnessy’s land was eroding his land and fencing from flooding and that the defendant, who was co-operative with the fisheries board, intends to restore what he damaged, which will cost him a considerable sum of money. Shaughnessy said he did not think of the time of year when he carried out works.
Judge Mary Devins applied the Probation Act and directed that the defendant pay €150 to Mayo Mountain Rescue. Shaughnessy was also ordered to pay €250 towards costs.
