Louth council confirms enforcement proceedings to begin at ‘overcrowded’ Port Oriel

By Olivia Ryan, The Drogheda Independent

Louth County Council confirmed that it will begin enforcement proceedings at the “overcrowded” Port Oriel in Clogherhead.

The sinking of a fishing trawler was highlighted at the council’s October meeting, as members heard it had been raised from the water and made safe, with no significant pollution noted.

Cllr. Declan Power, who last week raised concerns about the “near environmental catastrophe” following the incident, told the meeting that another video had emerged of a trawler "pumping and dumping diesel at the harbour.”

"It is just totally unacceptable, we cannot have this activity going on at the harbour. It is an environmental risk and is threatening livelihoods in the village.”

He thanked the council’s Environmental Section for the ongoing monitoring and updates, but referred to the continued “risks” from overcrowding at the harbour.

"I think it is time we met with the fishing community there, to try and sort this out and come up with some resolutions,” said Cllr. Power.

Director of Service, David Hanratty, confirmed Louth County Council are “beginning enforcement proceedings against individuals where appropriate.”

He said the video of the vessel referred to by Cllr. Power had been forwarded to the Environmental Section for investigation.

The meeting heard that “no significant pollution was noted” following the sinking of the vessel at the harbour last week.

Mr. Hanratty said the council were in communication with the owner of the vessel, and investigations were ongoing.