River Suir in Thurles 'desperately needs cleaning' says Tipperary TD
Jackie Cahill was calling for 'enhanced' maintenance for Ireland's rivers
Tipperary TD Jackie Cahill has said the River Suir in Thurles needs to be cleaned.
Mr Cahill was renewing his call for the cleaning and maintenance of water courses and rivers to be enhanced.
“The Suir in Thurles is a typical example of a river that desperately needs cleaning and maintenance works. Fishermen are struggling to even access the banks of the river with the state it is currently in," said Mr Cahill.
He went on to say:
“We are now at the optimum time of year for the cleaning and maintenance of our rivers and water courses. Unfortunately, once again regulations are ensuring that this opportunity is passing us by.
“The same issues are arising around the county, including the Kilmastulla River to name just one other. A lack of maintenance of these rivers is increasing the risk of flooding to farmland and residential properties.
“We all fully accept that rivers must maintain habitats but we also have to balance that with the primary purpose of water courses being to carry water. This primary purpose is currently being disregarded.
“I have spoken on this issue a number of times in the Dáil, as well as raising it with relevant state agencies. Unfortunately, it is clear that some lobby groups seem to be able to excessively influence policy in this area,” said Mr Cahill.