A rotten animal carcass in a river in Armagh will remain rotting as it is not currently causing an obstruction, the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has confirmed.
The animal has been decomposing in the River Callan, along the Ballyards Road, for more than a week, much to the frustration of local residents in the area.
However, DfI – which controls the Rivers Agency – says it “does not have statutory responsibility for the removal of fallen livestock”.
A spokesperson for the Department told Armagh I: “The Department inspected the River Callan on Wednesday, June 7 after receiving a report of fallen livestock.
“The Department does not have statutory responsibility for the removal of fallen livestock from a watercourse unless it is causing a significant impediment to the flow of water, which is not occurring in this instance.
“On designated watercourses the Department would only consider removing fallen livestock to the nearest bank if it was causing, or likely to cause, a flooding problem.
“Such incidents where dead animals are found in a watercourse should be referred to the riparian landowner or the appropriate Local Authority.”
One woman, speaking to Armagh I on Friday, expressed her disgust at the lack of urgency surrounding the issue.
“It’s very sad that the departments that we charge with looking after our rivers can’t act when the public identify an issue. The public pay their taxes and rates and deserve better, it’s so frustrating”.
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