A cleanup of the River Fergus took place in Ennis at the weekend as water levels dropped to their lowest point since September 1995.
The recent extended dry spell resulted in a dramatic decrease in the water level which the Council said provided an ideal opportunity for a litter cleanup to take place.
Ennis Town Council environmental staff assisted members of Fergus Salmon Anglers Association, Ennis Trout Anglers Association, Ennis Sub Aqua Club and Ennis Tidy Towns during last weekend’s cleanup.
Gerry Murphy, Environmental Warden, Ennis Town Council explained: “With water levels being so low, debris and litter on the river bed had become visible. Amongst the items collected during the cleanup were general litter items including plastic bottles, cans and wrappers. Amongst the more unusual items recovered were supermarket trolleys, traffic cones, footballs and even bicycles.”
Mr. Murphy noted that river levels are expected to rise in the coming days with further heavy showers forecast.
“Drought and reduced river levels in the Fergus can lead to problems with oxygen levels in the river due to increased temperature and more weed growth. Any litter dumped along the river can show up very easily when water levels are low. Despite the return to wetter conditions this week, a further cleanup is scheduled to take place tomorrow (Thursday) pending water levels remain low, added Mr. Murphy.
The recent extended dry spell resulted in a dramatic decrease in the water level which the Council said provided an ideal opportunity for a litter cleanup to take place.
Ennis Town Council environmental staff assisted members of Fergus Salmon Anglers Association, Ennis Trout Anglers Association, Ennis Sub Aqua Club and Ennis Tidy Towns during last weekend’s cleanup.
Gerry Murphy, Environmental Warden, Ennis Town Council explained: “With water levels being so low, debris and litter on the river bed had become visible. Amongst the items collected during the cleanup were general litter items including plastic bottles, cans and wrappers. Amongst the more unusual items recovered were supermarket trolleys, traffic cones, footballs and even bicycles.”
Mr. Murphy noted that river levels are expected to rise in the coming days with further heavy showers forecast.
“Drought and reduced river levels in the Fergus can lead to problems with oxygen levels in the river due to increased temperature and more weed growth. Any litter dumped along the river can show up very easily when water levels are low. Despite the return to wetter conditions this week, a further cleanup is scheduled to take place tomorrow (Thursday) pending water levels remain low, added Mr. Murphy.
