Sir, - A recent report in The Irish Times notes a £10,000 fine for gross pollution of the River Martin near Cork in 1997. Almost 80,000 fish died, putting the court's valuation at about 12.5p per fish, even though many of them were salmon. Although the offender, Macroom Mills, expressed regret, it intends to appeal the decision of the court.
The South West Regional Fisheries Board in its wisdom is not going to restock but to wait five to six years for natural regeneration to occur and thus protect the genetic integrity of the Martin fish stock.
Nowhere is allowance being made for loss of amenity. There was another very large spill on the River Martin in January this year when several thousand tonnes of sludge entered the river. Two gross spillages in two years.
The fishery board might reconsider its policy before the river becomes sterile. Closely related fish inhabit the Lee, into which the Martin drains.
Most of our rivers and lakes are now polluted and remedial efforts to restore them are going to take years. All the polluters wriggle and say "not my fault".
It really is time to put a stop to the gallops of all the polluters. If they appeal the fines despite being found guilty, then the penalty should be doubled. -Yours, etc., John A. Cullinane,
Coolroe Heights, Ballincollig, Co Cork.