A Carlow Cllr says she’s concerned there’s environmental damage to the river Barrow following recent works by Waterways Ireland.
Adrienne Wallace says she’s written to the organization and also to Minister of State Malcolm Noonan about the stretch near Maganey bridge.
Cllr Wallace said “It appears Waterways Ireland have recently cleared a large patch of native flowers above Maganey bridge which was one of the few places where the Common Blue Butterfly could be observed. Various other species of Butterflies were known to also lay their eggs on the sorrel there. In addition, further up the river nearly half an acre of rushes was also cleared with no obvious explanation for these works. Questions need to be asked.”
Cllr Wallace continued “Large swathes of the river walkway and trees have also been stripped back by what looks like an auger. This has cleared the banks of any plants which provide cover, food and shade for fish and insects over the winter months. Trees that would have been used by dippers and kingfishers have also been cleared. I feel these works also create a risk to walkers as there is now a clear 3-meter drop into the river.”
Cllr Wallace Concluded “What’s especially shocking is that this is a Special Area of Conservation and a Natura 2000 site. While the Green Minister has recently announced a new Nature Reserve in Kilkenny ahead of the General Election, he can’t seem to ensure that the SACs we already have are being maintained properly. How can the Green party be entrusted to tackle the global climate crisis if the most basic of works seem to cause havoc to our local biodiversity.”
In a response to KCLR news Minister Noonan said:
”The Barrow Trackway is a much-loved amenity for the people of Carlow and I fully understand why there would be concerns at works being undertaken. However, I can confirm that I have spoken to Waterways Ireland and I am assured that these are standard maintenance works and that all the relevant environmental compliances are in place. To keep the Trackway open, it’s necessary for Waterways Ireland to manage the vegetation either side of the path once the nesting season is over. It’s also clear, however, that much of the worry these works have caused could have been avoided with better communication. To that end, I’ve asked Waterways Ireland to ensure it erects signage to explain what it’s doing and why when undertaking routine operations like these.
