Council agree to proceed with cleaning of west Mayo river

MAYO County Council have indicated that they will engage with Inland Fisheries Ireland and local residents to begin the clean-up of the Moyour River in Kilmeena.

In a report to councillors in the Westport/Belmullet Municipal District, Mayo County Council indicated that they intend to proceed with a clean-up of the downstream section of the Moyour River but the upstream section will require 'significant funding'.

Local Independent councillor John O'Malley had called for a report on cleaning the Moyour River as a matter of urgency due to flooding in the region.

The Carrowholly-based councillor claimed that trees and other vegetation were causing flooding to land along the river and if it was not cleaned by the council, local farmers would take it upon themselves to do it.

The report which will be presented to councillors at Monday's monthly meeting of the Westport/Belmullet Municipal District outlined that in May 2025, an ecologist was procured to assess the Moyour river and commence the environmental assessment process.

The ecologist assessed the river and split it into two sections - downstream of the N59 at Buckfield and upstream of the N59. He found that works to the downstream section of the river will consist of removal of branches within the conveyance area, removal of trees within the riverbed and clearance of debris upstream of bridges and crossings.

The upstream section will consist of removal of growth (soil, reeds and grasses) within the channel area, removal of branches within the conveyance area, removal of trees within the riverbed and clearance of debris upstream of bridges and crossings.

Tom McDonnell, Senior Executive Engineer responsible for Flood Risk Management stated in his report that the ecologist is of view that downstream of the N59 can be screened and will not have any impact on the SAC to which the river leads into.

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However, he stated that upstream of the N59 cannot be screened out and will require a full Natura Impact statement for any works to the river.

“As the works here require dredging of the riverbed due to significant growth, any works removing this growth will have an impact on the SAC to which the river leads into. Approval of a Natura Impact Statement can only be given through an application to An Coimisiún Pleanála,” Mr McDonnell stated.

The next stage will be for the local authority to consult with Inland fisheries Ireland to gain approval to proceed to tree and branch clearance for the downstream section and also consult with landowners on gaining access to the riverbanks to carry out the works.

Mr McDonnell said the council may require a derogation for instream works in the months of October and November as instream works are only allowed during the months of July, August and September.

In relation to the upstream section, he said significant funding would be required to proceed and they will monitor the outcome of works of the downstream section on flood levels before making a decision to proceed with the upstream section of the river.