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Specialist booms have been put in place by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to try and contain an oil leak on Newry Canal. Seven days after the incident the smell of oil still wafts in the air and a black residue clings to grass and weed debris along the canal. Signs of damage appear over several hundred metres from the first Lock encountered on the Newry Canal Towpath to Canal Quay. A part of the canal that just over a week ago had ducks a-plenty is currently a danger zone for them.
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency has said that investigations into the cause of the pollution are still ongoing. A spokesperson for Newry, Mourne and Down District Council today said that" The Council along with the NIEA will be liaising with specialist contractors to agree a plan for remediation of the polluted area.”
It's ironic that the area where the incident took place is recognised by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council as a 'Species Conservation Area' and is one of the Council's Linear Arboretums with a sign saying the area is 'Creating attractive memorable landscapes. Removing pollution and improving our climate'.
Talking about steps taken to control the leakage of oil pollution into the Newry Canal a Council spokesperson said "After the initial response, further steps were taken last Friday and Saturday to contain the pollution through the use of specialist booms. These control measures are being monitored daily and have been effective. Water levels are also being managed to minimise the risk of the pollution spreading further within the Canal."
If anyone wishes to report incidents of water pollution, they can do so by phoning the NIEA Incident Hotline on 0800 80 70 60.
