Clean-up under way after Lough Derg oil spill

A CLEAN-UP operation is continuing on Lough Derg this week following a recent spill of domestic heating oil into the lake.

A specialised company has been carrying out clean-up operations after a significant spillage was observed in Youghal Bay on the Tipperary side of the lake.

The spillage is believed to have originated in a small local stream flowing into the lake at Carhue.

Local council, environment and fishery authorities were contacted by concerned local anglers in relation to the spillage.

Subsequent investigations reportedly ascertained the source of the spill was a burst fuel pipe from a domestic fuel tank in an unoccupied holiday home located in the Carhue area.

Booms have been put in place to stop the spread of oil into the lake, but while the spillage does not possess an immediate threat to the lake’s fish population, concern has been expressed for wildlife which reside on the edges of Youghal Bay and along the stream.

It is also believed the pipe may have been leaking for some time and that a significant quality of oil escaped from the holding tank.

Locals have also expressed concern regarding the spill especially as the oil had apparently penetrated into ground along the lakeshore in Youghal Bay. Anglers have also expressed concern regarding the spillage and have urged North Tipperary County Council and fishery authorities to ensure a thorough cleanup operation is conducted.

The continuing operation could involve digging out the polluted ground or the use of specialised bacteria that consume fuel.

Meanwhile, the owner of the property where the oil emanated from is likely to have to bear the cost of the entire cleanup operation.