Hydroelectric power suggestion queried for River Moy

THE possibility of a hydroelectric power project on the River Moy has been raised by a local councillor with Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI).

The Moy and Brusna Rivers historically provided for Ballina town through hydroelectric power, and Councillor Mark Duffy has asked if it would be possible to reintroduce it without disturbing the natural course of the fish in the waters.

Addressing his idea to the CEO and chairman of IFI at a meeting of Mayo County Council, he said he felt there was 'huge potential' on the two rivers, which would help improve sustainable energy production.

It had been possible historically for fishing to flourish and for electricity to be created, and he asked that it might be looked at, with solutions that work for IFI and energy creation for the community.

On another issue related to the Moy, Councillor Duffy asked for a review of pollution along the river to be carried out by IFI, especially from the town centre area down to the estuary.

It has been highlighted not only during high rainfall but at other times that there has been issues about untreated waste going into the Moy.

IFI CEO Francis O'Donnell said this issue will be looked at, as will the hydroelectric suggestion.

There is an issue with hydroelectric posing problems for migrating salmon but nowadays weirs can be designed to accommodate both.

A project such as this would have to be done through a forum of stakeholders, he stated.