SDLP East Derry MLA John Dallat has claimed the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) spent over £68,000 investigating pollution incidents within the Lower Bann catchment between 2005 and 2009.

Mr Dallat issued an Assembly question on the matter to the Minister for the Environment Edwin Poots. The answer disclosed there have been 411 incidents during that time and early indicative figures for this year are also high.

Mr Dallat said: "The problem of pollution on the River Bann is very serious and these disturbing figures do nothing for future plans to develop the river as 'The North’s River Shannon'.

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"Money is badly needed to implement the Water Framework Directive River Basin Managements Plans through a River Restoration and Improvement Programme over the next three years. It is will be interesting to learn if the £9million needed is available after the much predicted cuts in public spending filters through the various departments involved."

He continued: "It would be shocking if pollution was to kill off the opportunities that exist to transform the River Bann from the largest drainage system in the North into one of the finest tourist and leisure facilities anywhere on these islands.

"It is my belief that when the Ulster Canal is eventually linked up, thousands of new and sustainable jobs will be created in hotels and related businesses connected to the River Bann. If we miss this opportunity we will be condemned for our failure to recognise one of the greatest projects ever linking not just the rivers of Ireland but these islands."

NS