Alliance Councillor for Killultagh David Honeyford has said tougher fines and prosecutions, where appropriate, need to be applied to polluters causing damage to the environment.

Councillor Honeyford was speaking after a pollution incident caused the deaths of hundreds of fish at Glenavy River.

He said: “Yet again we have seen a pollution incident on the Glenavy River, resulting in a significant fish kill. The Glenavy Conservation and District Angling Club have put a lot of effort and resources into this river leading to a massive increase in the health of the river and thriving fish stocks. That good work has now been reversed with this pollution incident.

“Glenavy River flows into Lough Neagh, which is a main source of drinking water for Belfast. It is vital that this incident is investigated and those responsible made to pay. We need to do all we can to protect our environment.”