COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM/TEMPLEOGUE-TERENURE AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

MOTION NO. 8

MOTION: Councillor A-M. Dermody

"That the Chief Executive organise a costing as to the amount required to clean up the Glin River and the likely time such work would take. There is a real concern that as a result of the continued and increased dumping of illegal household waste in this river that this has adversely compromised the biodiversity of this river and in turn has compromised the fish stock in the river. That a schedule of works be drawn up for the cleaning up and clearing out of the river which ought to include the pruning of the Willow trees and the cost of restocking the river on completion of such works. I would ask provision to be made in the upcoming budget for such works and that all such work take place during the winter months of 2014 and in advance of Spring 2015."

REPORT:

The River Glin is a fourth order watercourse which refers to a stretch of the Whitechurch Stream between the Tuning Fork just before the stream joins the Owendoher River at this road junction and the petrol station on Whitechurch Road.

In view of the concern raised about the river fish stock, this matter was referred to Inland Fisheries Ireland, which is the competent authority to advise in matters of aquatic biological diversity in the area, for comment. The Dublin Director replied that he had walked the lower Whitechurch Stream last week and did not observe any significant rubbish. He stated that ''the riparian vegetation is in a very natural state which is positive for the overall aquatic biological diversity in the area''. This comment is a welcome observation.

As this stream is a key salmonoid spawning tributary of the Owendoher/ Dodder system, seasonal constraints apply - in-stream works are closed between October and May annually.

The stream was inspected by Council staff on the 6th and 7th October 2014 and no significant dumping was observed. Some minor items (a tv, 2 traffic cones, waste timber, etc) were noticed and these items will be removed from river banks. Some excess vegetation which could fall from the bank - on the Whitechurch Road side - was observed and this will be removed. However, in keeping with the Fisheries requirements, no in-stream works will be undertaken.

The Council will continue to monitor the stream over the 'closed in-stream' works period and should any works be identified they will be included in any seasonal works programme that may be identified. Cognisance of the requirements of the Wildlife Act was also be borne in mind when any works are programmed.

Be assured of our continued commitment to monitor this and all our watercourses. Our knowledge of this stream is such that the riparian margins, water quality and fish stocks are in overall good condition. This position would appear to be supported by Inland Fisheries Ireland.