An investigation has been launched after what appears to be sewage entered the Grand Canal in Naas, Co Kildare.
Mayor of the town Councillor Bill Clear said he was alerted to the problem on Monday after what appeared to be sewage overflowing from a manhole in a housing estate into a stream over the weekend.
Cllr Clear said the stream, which is fast flowing after recent rain, enters the canal and overflows into the River Liffey.
He said he is concerned over the environmental impact of the spill and the immediate risk to fish and wildlife in the area.
Very serious sewage spill into the canal in Naas. Heading towards an overflow that leads to the Liffey. Imagine all nesting birds badly effected @waterwaysirelan @KildareCoCo @IrishWater pic.twitter.com/7Q6eyewire
— Councillor Bill Clear (@billclear45) April 23, 2024
"This is a sensitive time for nesting birds. If we interfere with the whole cycle of the food chain in biodiversity it adversely affects everything."
Cllr Clear said that Waterways Ireland informed him that it could be algae or bloom, but it would test the water.
Kildare County Council said the incident was caused by a sewer manhole overflow that entered the Grand Canal.
In a statement, it said Uisce Éireann attended the site of the manhole and the overflow has ceased.
Uisce Éireann said it had completed its investigations.
In a statement, it said: "The public sewer was found to be free flowing at the time of the inspection and there were no indications of a recent discharge to the canal.
"Water Services Inspectors did observe evidence of ragging around a manhole cover, which on review is believed to be related to a previous surcharging incident from the manhole on April 4.
"We understand this blockage was cleared within a number of hours.
"The images of the canal provided to Uisce Éireann indicate the presence of algae on the surface of the water and not sewage."
