BREAKING: Raw sewage pollution incident threatens local waterways
Untreated human waste
An investigation has been launched after a reported pollution incident on a County Kildare waterway.
A section of the Grand Canal between the harbour area in Naas and on towards Leinster Mills in the Sallins direction, is affected, according to Naas mayor Bill Clear.
Cllr Clear said it is thought that the effluent originated from a location in the Newbridge Road area and was carried into the canal via a stream.
He said Kildare County Council, Uisce Eireann (Waterways Ireland) and Uisce Eireann are aware of the issue.
“This is a very serious pollution incident and local people say it has happened before. There is a big risk to biodiversity in the canal itself,” said Cllr Clear.
He said that because of the way watercourses are linked in the area, there is a consequent risk of pollution to River Liffey.
A spokesperson for Uisce Eireann said it is currently investigating a report of a sewage spillage on the canal and “will provide an update once the investigation is complete.”