In mid June this year the Province experienced one of its worst fish and wildlife kills in decades when the Sixmilewater from Mallusk to Lough Neagh was severely polluted. 10’s of thousands of fish and millions of insects were killed along the 15 mile stretch of the river. It is estimated that the river will take decades to recover.
The incident has incensed residents and anglers who had warned that this type incident was inevitable following a spate of pollution incidents and problems over a number of years. More than five weeks after the incident, locals have no idea what has happened and no recovery plans have been put in place despite numerous letters and emails to central government and a meeting with Minister Sammy Wilson at Stormont.
Local Communities including anglers have called for a public meeting to develop an action plan and this has now been facilitated by the Antrim and District Angling Association who have arranged for the meeting to take place in the Antrim Forum at 7-00pm on 13 August. The Minister has been asked to address the meeting.
Alison Millar, Vice Chairman of the Templepatrick Residents Association has expressed her anger at the incident and the apparent lack of information to date. “We are determined to get to the root of this problem. It is simply not good enough; this incident has impacted on thousands of people young and old who live along the river and we are fearful that Lough Neagh which is a source of drinking water for the province has also been contaminated.”
Maurice Parkinson, Vice Chairman of the Antrim and District Angling Association says local people and members are dismayed and very annoyed. “Members of this Association with the help of local people from farmers to specialist interest groups for years have invested heavily with their time and money to keep the river in some sort of order; despite the ongoing problems. This has been to no avail. We have been badly let down but I know from speaking to those who have an interest in the river and its surrounds that no stone will be left unturned in bringing this river system back to a reasonable state.”
In addition to the Minister being asked to address the meeting presentations will be made by the local politicians, anglers and a range of interest groups.
For further information on the event please contact:-
Paul Erwin, Chairman of the Antrim and District Angling Association.
email: paul.erwin@btinternet.com
Maurice Parkinson, Vice Chairman of the Antrim and District Angling Association at
Tel: 02893322952
email: maurice@ballyrobertcottagegarden.co.uk
Sam Andrews
Tel: 07889423965
email: samandrews100@hotmail.com
Stevie Munn Professional Angling Guide
Tel: 07717 460131
email: anglingclassics@aol.com
