Louth harbour escapes ‘near environmental and public safety catastrophe’

By Olivia Ryan, The Drogheda Independent

The sinking of a fishing trawler at Clogherhead harbour in County Louth was “potentially an environmental and public safety catastrophe,” according to a Louth councillor.

Independent Councillor Declan Power said the incident, which occurred on Tuesday night last “could have resulted in a significant diesel spill — estimated at approximately 1,200 litres — into the harbour waters.”

Cllr. Power, who represents the Clogherhead area, said the event highlights issues he has raised repeatedly with Louth County Council.

“This is a deeply concerning situation. Clogherhead Harbour is one of County Louth’s most important fishing and coastal assets,” said Cllr. Power.

“The sinking of this trawler, and the resulting diesel spill, could have triggered an environmental crisis threatening marine life, the local fishing community, and our wider coastal ecosystem.”

Cllr. Power confirmed that while approximately 1,200 litres of diesel could have spread throughout the harbour, the situation was ultimately contained with less environmental damage than initially feared. However, a visible slick had coated the water’s surface and brushed against harbour walls.

“I think we were very lucky on this occasion. This is no longer just about overcrowding – this is about public health, safety, and environmental protection,” he claimed. “The people of Clogherhead and our local fishing families deserve better than to see their harbour turned into an ecological hazard zone.”

Cllr. Power again called for immediate intervention by Louth County Council, expressing his view that the current management model for Clogherhead Harbour is “no longer fit for purpose”.

“I want to acknowledge the swift and coordinated response from Louth County Council,” said Cllr. Power. “The vessel that sank on Tuesday night was finally raised on Friday, with limited environmental damage reported.”

However, he warned that long-standing issues remain unresolved.

“We narrowly avoided an environmental disaster that could have had devastating consequences for local livelihoods, tourism, and marine biodiversity.”

The Independent Councillor reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing reform at every level.

Sean Callaghan of the Environmental Section at Louth County Council provided an update on the situation following his site visit on Friday, saying there was no heavy fuel oil noted.

"This type of vessel would use diesel, not heavy fuel. It was low tide at the time and there was only a very light film, with several metres, near the vessel.

“The appearance can vary depending on tides and wave action, similar to incidents at Hebble Sands in Drogheda Port and at Narrow Water in Carlingford Lough earlier this year.

“According to the oil contingency plan, diesel recovery is not possible — most will be lost through evaporation and mixing. The placement of oil booms is difficult due to the vessel’s location, as booms are more effective on rivers rather than at sea. Now that the vessel has been raised, there should be no further discharges, though we will continue to monitor the situation.”