NIEA investigating extensive slurry spill in Ballinderry River near Cookstown

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) is investigating a report of an extensive spillage of slurry into a tributary of the ‘Ballinderry River’. 

The incident was reported via the Water Pollution Hotline (0800 80 70 60) this morning and Water Quality Officers were immediately on site, near Cookstown, Co Tyrone. 

The environmental impact has been assessed as high.

It has been confirmed that a significant volume of agricultural slurry, estimated to be in excess of 400,000 gallons, has escaped from a farm in the area. Some of the slurry has reached the Ballinderry River and potentially up to six kilometers may have been affected. 

NIEA investigations are ongoing into the circumstances and environmental effects of the incident, including that samples have been collected with a view to necessary enforcement action once the investigation is complete. 

Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said: “I am concerned that such a large amount of slurry has polluted the local environment here. The important thing now is for the problem to be addressed quickly and professionally. I welcome the fact that NIEA staff have acted swiftly here and I will be keeping a close eye on developments.”

The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) Inland Fisheries staff have been made aware of this incident.

The source of the spill has been identified but as an investigation is ongoing the Agency is not able to provide further detail of the location.

All media queries should be directed to the DOE Press Office on 028 9025 6058. Out of office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.

Attwood comments on Athletic Stores leave for Judicial Review judgement

Environment Minister Alex Attwood today commented on the court decision today to grant leave for a judicial review into the Athletic Stores planning decision.

After an exhaustive assessment of all options from every angle, the Minister gave approval, with regret, on 20 April this year, for retail and residential development on the Athletic Stores site.

Alex Attwood said: “I note the decision today to grant leave for a judicial review of the planning decision at the Athletic Stores. I arrived at this decision after the fullest consideration. I inspected the site accompanied by representatives of the UAHS to ensure that I was fully appraised of all the issues. I am confident that the decision was the right one, even though it was taken with much regret. After all I have put much effort, since becoming Environment Minister, into saving our historic buildings. Unfortunately the Athletic Stores building was too far gone for modern living and working.”

The Minister also highlighted that the court decision today does not indicate that there are any flaws in the planning decision.

“I take note of the fact that the judge emphasised that granting leave in no way raised a presumption that the DOE’s decisions are flawed,” concluded the Minister.