Fisheries have no objection to removal of islands from river

INLAND Fisheries Ireland (IFI) have no objection to silt islands in the Carrowbeg River in Westport being removed. But they're also happy for them to stay.

If to be removed, that work could not take place until after June 1, local councillors were informed.

IFI's Padraic O'Malley addressed councillors who had questions as to whether or not vegetation in the river might contribute to flooding further up the waterway. The council is developing plans for flood defences at Cois Abhainn in the town.

He explained how the silt islands were put in artificially a number of years ago to facilitate ducks in the river and had built up since.

IFI did not object to them being removed or retained.

Councillor Christy Hyland said there were a lot of opinions about the vegetation in the river. He would come down on the side of homes if there was a threat of flooding.

There were tree saplings too and he asked if they were going to watch trees growing up out of the Mall River.

Councillor Peter Flynn said the last thing they wanted to see was premises flooded and he requested clarification on the likelihood of flooding.

Mr. O'Malley said, in his experience, in a one-in-a-100-year flood it would not make much difference, but in a one-in-a-25-year flood it probably would.