Cork Hydro Plant Owner Faces Court Over Trapped Salmon
Salmon Trapped at Cork Hydro plant, Owner Faces prosecution
Cork, Ireland – A local hydro-electric plant owner is facing prosecution after Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) discovered salmon trapped within its waters. The incident highlights the delicate balance between renewable energy production and protecting vital fish populations.
Senior IFI environmental officer michael McPartland revealed that the grates at Dan Twomey’s hydro facility, located south of the old Cork waterworks, were not compliant with regulations. “The grates needed to have bars with not more than 2 inches between them,” explained McPartland, “but they were approximately 3 inches wide at this plant. There was also a second breach in that some of the gratings were found open when inspected.”
These breaches, according to McPartland, posed a serious threat to returning salmon. “If they get trapped in there, they have no reverse gear to get out, so the lifecycle will not be completed,” he stated.
The case came to light when IFI officials notified Mr. Twomey on July 11, 2023, about the presence of adult salmon within the facility.
During court proceedings, Mr. Twomey, represented by solicitor Charles O’Connor, acknowledged the issue. “I have to open the grates to clean them, and what happens is the salmon goes in,” he admitted.While Mr. Twomey expressed his willingness to cooperate and find a solution,Judge Joanne Carroll emphasized the importance of compliance with the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act. “Nobody expected him to be God,” she stated, “but that he was required to comply with the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act, and he needed to co-operate with IFI.”
Judge Carroll adjourned the penalty until June 25, 2025, allowing Mr.Twomey time to address the issues raised by IFI.
This case underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing renewable energy advancement with the protection of Ireland’s valuable fish stocks.
IFI Prosecution Highlights Salmon Conservation Concerns at Cork Hydro-Electric Plant
Cork, Ireland – A local hydro-electric plant owner faces prosecution after Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) discovered salmon trapped within the facility, raising concerns about the impact of renewable energy development on sensitive fish populations.
IFI Senior Environmental Officer Michael McPartland revealed that the plant, owned by Dan Twomey, failed to meet compliance regulations regarding grate spacing, which are designed to protect migrating salmon.
“The grates needed to have bars with not more than 2 inches between them,” explained McPartland, “but they were approximately 3 inches wide at this plant. There was also a second breach in that some of the gratings were found open when inspected.”
McPartland emphasized the seriousness of these breaches, stating that trapped salmon have ”no reverse gear to get out” and are thus unable to complete their lifecycle.
The issue was brought to light when IFI officials notified Mr. Twomey of the trapped salmon on July 11, 2023. While Mr. Twomey, represented by Solicitor Charles O’Connor, admitted to the grate issue, he explained that it was necessary to open them for cleaning.
Judge Joanne Carroll acknowledged Mr. Twomey’s cooperation while stressing the importance of adhering to the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act. She adjourned the penalty until June 25, 2025, providing Mr. Twomey time to address the identified problems.
This case highlights the complex challenge of balancing renewable energy goals with the imperative of preserving Ireland’s valuable fish stocks.