Pollution source traced after River Tolka incident

Green Party TD Roderic O’Gorman has welcomed action taken by Fingal County Council to stop pollution entering the River Tolka at Mill Road Bridge.

The Dublin West TD said the Council confirmed it had identified the source of pollution that entered the river during the summer months.

Deputy O’Gorman had first alerted the local authority after spotting the incident.

“Earlier in the Summer, I contacted Fingal County Council after pollution entered the river just below the Mill Road Bridge, beside Connolly Hospital.

“The pollution caused a grey/white scum on the river and a bad smell,” he said.

The Council then carried out a camera survey of the surface water drainage pipe system.

According to O’Gorman, this led to the discovery of a problem in the Coolmine Industrial Estate. Investigators found evidence of food grease being discharged into the drainage line following a spillage.

Fingal later confirmed to the TD that the source of the discharge was identified and the owners of the premises were notified. The premises owner immediately carried out a clean-up.

“I welcome Fingal’s quick action in addressing this issue. I hope that the steps it has taken will mean this pollution won’t be discharged into the Tolka at this location again,” O’Gorman added.