Concern over harmful pollution in River Roe

Sightings of pollution in the River Roe has raised concern among locals.

Pictures taken in the Burnfoot area, outside Dungiven, show what appears to be slurry leaking into the river. 

ABOVE: Pollution has been spotted in the River Roe near Burnfoot.

The recent pollution has now prompted locals to question the harmful impact it may be having on the environment. 

A member of Roe Angling Club said this is an ongoing issue which is not being addressed properly.

“There is no repercussions for this type of pollution. If there is, the fee is pennies which isn’t a deterrent to the people doing it. This is not just happening in the River Roe. It is happening all over. This has been happening for years. If there is no fish killed they don’t see the long term impact. The pollution is still killing food for the fish. It is poisoning everything. There is vertebrate down on the stones and gravel that will be covered in the pollution,” the spokesperson said.

Sinn Féin Councillor Kathleen McGurk said she has been made aware of the reports of ‘serious pollution’ which appear to have originated near Burnfoot.

“Local anglers have indicated that the discharge appears to be slurry run-off, which could have a significant impact on already depleted salmon and fish stocks,” she said.

“This comes at a time when stocks are at their lowest and the river is operating on a catch-and-release system, so any incident like this is particularly concerning.

“I have reported the matter to the NIEA pollution team and will continue to follow up with the relevant agencies to ensure the source is identified and that appropriate action is taken. Protecting our local rivers and wildlife must be a priority.”

A spokesperson for The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs said: “On the evening of Tuesday 7 October 2025, the department received a report of water pollution impacting a tributary of the River Roe, near Burnfoot.

“The Loughs Agency is currently leading the investigation into the incident, with the department providing support as required.”

A spokesperson for the Loughs Agency added: “Loughs Agency received a report of a pollution incident on the River Roe on Tuesday, 7th October. Our Fishery Officers attended the scene of the incident and an investigation is now underway.”

Pollution is not the only problem when it comes to River Roe. A newly erected storm drainage pipeline is also causing concern for locals. 

ABOVE: The pipeline which is causing concern among local anglers

The member of Roe Angling Club continued: “This is definitely worrying. That is going into fish spawning areas. The fish stocks are dwindling as it is and that is just not helping. As far as I see they turn a blind eye to it. They aren’t worrying about the consequences to the river after doing things like this.”

Regarding the pipeline issue, a spokesperson for The Northern Ireland Environment Agency said: “All discharges to a watercourse or works that will impact on the free flow of a watercourse require approval from DfI Rivers under the Drainage (Northern Ireland) Order 1973 – Schedule 6. As the Competent Authority, DFI Rivers are responsible under the Habitats Directive for undertaking any Habitats Regulations Assessment in relation to these applications. 

“NIEA does not consent storm water discharges to the environment but does, where appropriate, consent discharges of effluents and potentially contaminated site drainage generated during construction or due to the activity taking place at the site.  These consents to discharge are issued under the Water (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 and relate solely to the quality of the discharge.  

“NIEA’s remit does not extend to the regulation of the quantity of water discharged to a waterway.”