Independent Councillor Declan Power has raised concerns about environmental and safety standards at Clogherhead Harbour following the sinking of an illegal fishing trawler last Tuesday night, which resulted in an estimated 1,200 litres of diesel entering the harbour waters.
Cllr. Power described the incident as “potentially an environmental and public safety catastrophe,” saying it highlights “ongoing failures in the management, oversight, and enforcement of safety and environmental standards at the harbour – issues I have raised repeatedly with Louth County Council.”
He confirmed that while approximately 1,200 litres of diesel could have spread throughout the harbour, the situation was contained with less environmental damage than initially feared, though a visible slick was seen on the water’s surface and along the harbour walls.
Cllr. Power acknowledged the response from Louth County Council, noting that the vessel which sank on Tuesday was raised on Friday with limited environmental damage reported. However, he said that long-standing issues remain unresolved, adding that he would continue to press for reform, enforcement, and stronger oversight at the harbour.
Sean Callaghan, from the Environmental Section of Louth County Council, provided an update following his site visit on Friday.
“From my visit on Friday, 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,” he said.
Mr. Callaghan noted that according to the oil contingency plan, diesel recovery is not possible as most is lost through evaporation and mixing. The placement of oil booms was also difficult due to the vessel’s location. He added that now the vessel has been raised, there should be no further discharges, though monitoring will continue.
