Hydrometric Area 30

  • ABBERT
  • AILLE (MAYO)
  • AGHINISH
  • BEALANABRACK
  • BLACK (SHRULE)
  • BALLINDINE
  • BALLINDUFF STREAM
  • BUNOWEN (OUGHTERARD)
  • BALLYCUIRKE
  • CLARE (GALWAY)
  • CORRIB
  • CREGG
  • CAMMANAGH
  • CLOGHBRACK STREAM
  • CONG CANAL
  • CLOONDAVER STREAM (NORTH)
  • CLOONFAD
  • CLAUREEN (MAYO)
  • DALGAN
  • DOOGHTA
  • DRIMNEEN
  • FAILMORE
  • FOOEY
  • FINNY
  • GLENSAUL
  • GRANGE (GALWAY)
  • GORTMORE STREAM (GALWAY)
  • HEADFORD STREAM
  • JOYCE'S
  • KILMAINE
  • KNOCKAUNRANNY STREAM
  • LOUGHKIP
  • LOUGH NACORRALEA STREAM
  • MOYCULLEN CANAL
  • NANNY (TUAM)
  • OWENBRIN
  • OWENRIFF (CORRIB)
  • OWENWEE (CORRIB)
  • ROBE
  • SINKING
  • SRAH STREAM
  • SRAHNALONG
  • SCARDAUN
  • TERRYLAND
  • TULLAGHAUN
  • EPA Irish Rivers Main List


    River: ABBERT Code: 30/A/01

    Tributary of : Clare (Galway) - OS grid reference : M 415 483


    SAMPLING STATION                                  QUALITY (Q) RATINGS
    NO    LOCATION                            1971 1977 1981 1985 1987 1989 1994
    
    
    Glennamucka Branch 0015 Bridge d/s Trib from L Doo - - - - - 4 4 Main Channel 0030 Br S. of Ballyglass House - - - - - 3-4 dry 0050 Bridge at Bauvin - - 4-5 4 4 3-4 - 0070 Br NE of Newcastle - - - - - - 4 0100 Killaclogher Bridge - - 4-5 5 4 4 4 0200 Abbert Bridge - - 3-4 4 3-4 4 4 0300 Bridge u/s Abbey Bridge - 4-5 4 4 4 4 4 0400 Pallas Bridge - - 4-5 4 4 4 4 0500 Bridge at Bullaun 4-5 4-5 5 3-4 4 4 4

    Assessment: The Abbert was satisfactory at all stations examined in 1994.


    River List for Hydrometric Area 30


    River: AGHINISH Code: 30/A/03

    Tributary of : Lough Mask - OS grid reference : M 155 672


    SAMPLING STATION                                  QUALITY (Q) RATINGS
    NO    LOCATION                                 1985      1989      1994
    
    
    0100 Keel Bridge 4 4-5 4

    Assessment: The Aghinish links Lough Carra to Lough Mask. The river is deep with a marly bottom and significant growths of charophytes and emergent reeds. The fauna is perhaps more typical of a lake than a river due to the river's situation with a very slight gradient between the two lakes. Quality was satisfactory.


    River List for Hydrometric Area 30


    River: AILLE (MAYO) Code: 30/A/02

    Tributary of : Lough Mask - OS grid reference : M 136 727


    SAMPLING STATION                                  QUALITY (Q) RATINGS
    NO    LOCATION                             1980     1984     1989     1993
    
    
    0010 Bridge S.E. of Croaghrimbeg 3-4 4-5 4-5 3 0050 Bridge S. of Tonlegee 5 4-5 5 4 0060 Near Mill u/s Aille Caves - - - 4 0100 Bridge S. of Killawullaun 4 4-5 4-5 4-5 0200 Bridge W. of Cartronbower - 5 4-5 4-5 0250 Bridge u/s Cloon Lough - - 5 4-5 0300 Bridge d/s Cloon Lough 4 4 4-5 4-5 0400 Bridge u/s Lough Mask - 4 - -

    Assessment: The uppermost site examined (0010) was moderately polluted. This is a remote mountain area with upland blanket bog, sheep grazing mature forestry plantations and clear-felled regions in the catchment. Extensive algal growths were noted at this site indicating enrichment from some source. No pollution-sensitive fauna were found and diversity was lower than would be expected. A similar result was obtained here in 1980. The remainder of the Aille (Mayo) was satisfactory in July 1993.


    River List for Hydrometric Area 30


    River: BALLINDINE Code: 30/B/03

    Tributary of : Robe - OS grid reference : M 349 709


    SAMPLING STATION                                  QUALITY (Q) RATINGS
    NO    LOCATION                             1979     1986     1989     1994
    
    
    0100 Ballindine Bridge - 3-4 3 3 0200 Bridge u/s Robe River confl 3 3-4 2-3 2-3

    Assessment: The Ballindine was polluted at both sites examined in November 1994.


    River List for Hydrometric Area 30


    River: BALLINDUFF STREAM Code: 30/B/05*

    Tributary of : Lough Corrib - OS grid reference : M 310 407


    SAMPLING STATION                                  QUALITY (Q) RATINGS
    NO    LOCATION                                    1989           1993
    
    
    0100 Bridge u/s Lough Corrib 4 4

    Assessment: This spring-fed Lough Corrib tributary was satisfactory in September 1993.


    River List for Hydrometric Area 30


    River: BALLYCUIRKE Code: 30/B/14*

    Tributary of : Lough Corrib - OS grid reference :


    SAMPLING STATION                                  QUALITY (Q) RATINGS
    NO    LOCATION                                    1989           1993
    
    
    0100 Railway Br d/s Ballycuirke Lough 3-4 3-4

    Assessment: The outflow from Ballycuirke Lough is affected by the eutrophic nature of the lough. A dense algal bloom was noted on the day of sampling and there have been ongoing water quality problems. (See also Moycullen Canal and Loughkip River).


    River List for Hydrometric Area 30


    River: BEALANABRACK Code: 30/B/01

    Tributary of : Lough Corrib - OS grid reference : L 975 522


    SAMPLING STATION                                  QUALITY (Q) RATINGS
    NO    LOCATION                             1982     1985     1989     1994
    
    
    0100 Bridge u/s Joyce's River 5 5 5 4-5 0200 Maam Bridge 5 - 5 4

    Assessment: Satisfactory.


    River List for Hydrometric Area 30


    River: BLACK (SHRULE) Code: 30/B/02

    Tributary of : Lough Corrib - OS grid reference : M 198 578


    SAMPLING STATION                                  QUALITY (Q) RATINGS
    NO    LOCATION                           1977    1980    1984    1989    1994
    
    
    0100 Bridge at Kilshanvy - 3-4 3-4 3-4 3-4 0120 Bridge W. of Carrabaun - - - 4 - 0200 Bridge in Shrule 4-5 4-5 4 4-5 4-5 0280 Nr Old Castle E. of Toorard - - - 4 - 0300 Br 2.5 km N.W. of Headford 4-5 4-5 3 3-4 3-4 0400 Bridge N.W. of Ower House - - - - - 0500 Second Bridge u/s L Corrib 5 5 4 4-5 - 0600 First Bridge u/s L Corrib - - 4 4 4

    Assessment: The Upper Black (Shrule) is affected by low dissolved oxygen values due to ground water influence (0100). Oxygen-sensitive macroinvertebrates were found again at Shrule (0200). Slight pollution due to agricultural influences was again noted, however, at 0300. The final site upstream of Lough Corrib was satisfactory.


    River List for Hydrometric Area 30


    River: BUNOWEN (OUGHTERARD) Code: 30/B/08

    Tributary of : Lough Ateeaun - OS grid reference : M 090 414


    SAMPLING STATION                                  QUALITY (Q) RATINGS
    NO    LOCATION                                    1989           1994
    
    
    0100 Glengowla Bridge 4-5 4-5

    Assessment: Satisfactory.


    River List for Hydrometric Area 30


    River: CAMMANAGH Code: 30/C/04

    Tributary of : Lough Mask - OS grid reference : L 996 568


    SAMPLING STATION                                  QUALITY (Q) RATINGS
    NO    LOCATION                                 1985      1989      1994
    
    
    0100 Bridge u/s Lough Mask 5 5 4-5

    Assessment: Satisfactory.


    River List for Hydrometric Area 30


    River: CLARE (GALWAY) Code: 30/C/01

    Tributary of : Lough Corrib - OS grid reference : M 303 314


    SAMPLING STATION                                  QUALITY (Q) RATINGS
    NUMBER                   1971 1973 1975 1977 1979 1980 1982 1985 1989 1993 1994
    
    
    0100 4-5 4 - 4 - 4 - 3-4 4 3 - 0200 4-5 5 - 4 - 4 - 4 3-4 3 - 0300 - - - - - 5 - 4 4 3-4 - 0400 - - - - - 5 - 4 4 4 - 0500 5 5 4 4 - 4-5 - 4 4 4 - 0600 - - - - - - - 4 4-5 3-4 - 0650 3 3 3-4 4 4 3-4 3 3 2-3 3 - 0675 - - - - - 3-4 3 3 3 3-4 - 0700 3-4 3 3-4 4 4 4 4 3 3-4 3 - 0800 4 4 4 4 4 4 3-4 4 3-4 3 3-4 0900 - - - - - 4 3-4 3-4 3-4 3-4 - 1000 - - - - - - - - 4 4 - 1100 - - - - - 4 - 3-4 4 3-4 - 1200 4 - - 5 - - - 3-4 4 3 - 1300 - - - - - 4 - 4 4 4 -

    SAMPLING STATION SAMPLING STATION

    NO LOCATION NO LOCATION

    0100 Br 1.5 km u/s Milltown 0700 Killeelaun Bridge 0200 Liskeevy Bridge 0800 Corrofin Bridge 0300 Fartamore Bridge 0900 Br W. of Dawros House 0400 Kilcreevanty Bridge 1000 Br S.W. of Turloughmore 0500 Ballygaddy Bridge 1100 Cregmore Bridge 0600 Weir Br (Main Channel) 1200 Claregalway Bridge 0650 100 m d/s Weir Br (LHS) 1300 Curraghmore Bridge 0675 At Temple Jarlath

    Assessment: Generally unsatisfactory in 1993 and 1994 (where surveyed). The upper section below the Dalgan River was moderately or slightly polluted (0100 - 0300). Quality has steadily declined in this section since 1985. The Clare was then satisfactory to Tuam's Ballygaddy Bridge (0600). Quality was unsatisfactory at Weir Bridge (0600) (which is upstream of the Nanny confluence). Pollution is also evident downstream of the confluence of the Nanny for some considerable distance - at least 16 km - Stations 0650 to 0900. A slight improvement was noted at Corofin Bridge in 1994. A recovery was noted at 1000 but again slight to moderate pollution was recorded at 1100 and 1200. The final section leading to Lough Corrib appeared satisfactory. The Clare River had lost pollution-sensitive invertebrate species at a number of sites in 1993 in comparison with the August 1989 survey. A general ongoing decline in water quality is apparent in this important river.


    River List for Hydrometric Area 30


    River: CLAUREEN (MAYO) Code: 30/C/12

    Tributary of : Aille (Mayo) - OS grid reference : M 134 794


    SAMPLING STATION                                  QUALITY (Q) RATINGS
    NO    LOCATION                                    1989           1993
    
    
    0400 Bridge in Ballyhean 3 3-4 0700 Claureen Bridge 4-5 4

    Assessment: Slightly polluted in Ballyheane (0400) but satisfactory at Claureen Bridge (0700).


    River List for Hydrometric Area 30


    River: CLOGHBRACK STREAM Code: 30/C/05*

    Tributary of : Lough Mask - OS grid reference : M 044 579


    SAMPLING STATION                                  QUALITY (Q) RATINGS
    NO    LOCATION                                    1985           1989
    
    
    0100 Bridge S. of Cloghbrack - 5 0200 Bridge 1 km E. of America 4-5 4-5

    Assessment: No assessment on file


    River List for Hydrometric Area 30


    River: CLOONDAVER STREAM (NORTH) Code: 30/C/09

    Tributary of : Lough Carra - OS grid reference : M 200 727


    SAMPLING STATION                                  QUALITY (Q) RATINGS
    NO    LOCATION                                 1985      1989      1993
    
    
    0100 Mullingar Bridge 3-4 3-4 4 0200 Bridge N.E. of Cloondaver 4-5 4 4-5

    Assessment: Satisfactory. An improvement was noted at Mullingar Bridge (0100) compared with 1989 and 1985.


    River List for Hydrometric Area 30


    River: CLOONFAD Code: 30/C/11

    Tributary of : Dalgan - OS grid reference : M 477 721


    SAMPLING STATION                                  QUALITY (Q) RATINGS
    NO    LOCATION                                    1989           1994
    
    
    0110 Bridge E. of Cloonfad 4 4 0300 Blackford Bridge 2-3 3-4

    Assessment: The upper Cloonfad (0110) was satisfactory in November 1994. The lowermost section was unsatisfactory at (0300).


    River List for Hydrometric Area 30


    River: CONG CANAL Code: 30/C/06

    Tributary of : Lough Corrib - OS grid reference : M 149 545


    SAMPLING STATION                                  QUALITY (Q) RATINGS
    NO    LOCATION                                    1989           1994
    
    
    0300 Br S.W. of Strandhill House 4 4

    Assessment: Satisfactory.


    River List for Hydrometric Area 30


    River: CORRIB Code: 30/C/02

    Tributary of : Sea - Galway Bay - OS grid reference : M 300 246


    SAMPLING STATION                                  QUALITY (Q) RATINGS
    NO    LOCATION                                 1985      1989      1994
    
    
    0600 Salmon Weir Bridge- Galway 4 4 4

    Assessment: The River Corrib at the weir Bridge in Galway city is satisfactory, though strongly lake-influenced.


    River List for Hydrometric Area 30


    River: CREGG Code: 30/C/03

    Tributary of : Lough Corrib - OS grid reference : M 297 341


    SAMPLING STATION                                  QUALITY (Q) RATINGS
    NO    LOCATION                             1981     1985     1989     1993
    
    
    0050 Bridge near Aucloggeen 5 5 4 4-5* 0100 Bridge near Drumgriffin 5 4 4 4* 0200 Bridge S. of Addergoole 4 4 4 4

    Assessment: Quality was satisfactory at all sites sampled. The asterisk attached to the Q-Values indicates that this is a spring-fed system with naturally low dissolved oxygen (DO) values. The faunal composition may appear to indicate pollution but merely reflects the naturally low DO values in this drinking water supply.


    River List for Hydrometric Area 30


    River: DALGAN Code: 30/D/01

    Tributary of : Clare (Galway) - OS grid reference : M 432 638


    SAMPLING STATION                                  QUALITY (Q) RATINGS
    NO    LOCATION                     1979 1981 1983 1985 1987 1988 1989 1990 1994
    
    
    0100 Ballyhaunis Bridge 4-5 4 4 4 4 4 4 - 4 0200 2 km S.W. of Ballyhaunis 1 1 1 1-2 1 1-2 1-2 1/0 1-2 0300 Br N. of Ballynastockagh 4 3 3 - 2 2-3 3 - 3 0400 Culnacleha Bridge 4 4 3-4 3 2-3 3 3-4 - 3 0500 Doonmacreena Bridge 4 4 3-4 3 3 3-4 3 - 3-4 0600 Dalgin Bridge 4 4 3-4 3-4 3 3-4 4 - 3-4

    Assessment: The upper Dalgan was satisfactory (0100). The Dalgan remained seriously polluted downstream of Ballyhaunis, however, due to heavy industrial pollution. Moderate and slight pollution extends from Ballyhaunis over the entire length of the River to the Clare River.


    River List for Hydrometric Area 30


    River: DOOGHTA Code: 30/D/02

    Tributary of : Lough Corrib - OS grid reference : M 057 520


    SAMPLING STATION                                  QUALITY (Q) RATINGS
    NO    LOCATION                                 1985      1989      1994
    
    
    0100 Ford to W. of Dooghta 5 4-5 5 0200 Bridge u/s Lough Corrib 5 5 4

    Assessment: Satisfactory.


    River List for Hydrometric Area 30


    River: DRIMNEEN Code: 30/D/03

    Tributary of : Lough Corrib - OS grid reference : M 157 419


    SAMPLING STATION                                  QUALITY (Q) RATINGS
    NO    LOCATION                                    1989           1993
    
    
    0400 Bridge E. of Carrowndulla 5 4 0600 Natural Bridge 4-5 4-5

    Assessment: Satisfactory.


    River List for Hydrometric Area 30


    River: FAILMORE Code: 30/F/01

    Tributary of : Bealanabrack - OS grid reference : L 974 522


    SAMPLING STATION                                  QUALITY (Q) RATINGS
    NO    LOCATION                             1982     1985     1989     1994
    
    
    0100 Teernakill Bridge 5 5 5 5

    Assessment: Good quality.


    River List for Hydrometric Area 30


    River: FINNY Code: 30/F/03

    Tributary of : Lough Mask - OS grid reference : M 018 582


    SAMPLING STATION                                  QUALITY (Q) RATINGS
    NO    LOCATION                                 1985      1989      1993
    
    
    0100 S.W. of Finny 5 5 4

    Assessment: Satisfactory.


    River List for Hydrometric Area 30


    River: FOOEY Code: 30/F/02

    Tributary of : Lough Nafooey - OS grid reference : L 953 596


    SAMPLING STATION                                  QUALITY (Q) RATINGS
    NO    LOCATION                                 1985      1989      1994
    
    
    0100 Bridge u/s Lough Nafooey 5 5 4

    Assessment: Satisfactory. This remote river has an unusual flora as it has a combination of acid-tolerant plants together with apparently lime tolerant stoneworts on a sand and bedrock substratum. Some land drainage leachate (iron oxide) was noted reaching the river.


    River List for Hydrometric Area 30


    River: GLENSAUL Code: 30/G/01

    Tributary of : Lough Mask - OS grid reference : M 106 678


    SAMPLING STATION                                  QUALITY (Q) RATINGS
    NO    LOCATION                             1980     1984     1989     1993
    
    
    0100 200 m u/s Tourmakeady Bridge 5 5 5 4-5 0200 Bridge in Tourmakeady 5 5 5 4-5

    Assessment: Satisfactory. No significant change.


    River List for Hydrometric Area 30


    River: GORTMORE STREAM (GALWAY) Code: 30/G/03*

    Tributary of : Lough Corrib - OS grid reference : M 240 379


    SAMPLING STATION                                  QUALITY (Q) RATINGS
    NO    LOCATION                                 1985      1989      1993
    
    
    0100 Bridge u/s Lough Corrib 4 4 4

    Assessment: Satisfactory.


    River List for Hydrometric Area 30


    River: GRANGE (GALWAY) Code: 30/G/02

    Tributary of : Clare (Galway) - OS grid reference : M 430 450


    SAMPLING STATION                                  QUALITY (Q) RATINGS
    NO    LOCATION                          1971   1977   1980   1985   1989   1994
    
    
    Mahanagh Branch* 0050 Bridge N. of Mahanagh - - 3-4 4 3 - Levally Branch 0100 Bridge near Levally - - 4 4 3 4 Main Channel 0120 Cloonkeen Bridge - - - - 4 4 0200 Bridge near Cloondahamper - - 3 4 4 3-4 0300 Ford N.N.W. of Cornacartan - - 5 4 4 3-4 0400 Grange Bridge - - 4 4-5 4-5 3-4 0500 Cahergal Bridge - - 4 4 4 3 0600 Ballinderry Bridge 5 4-5 5 4 4 4

    Assessment: Upper section satisfactory (0100, 0120). Middle section quite eutrophic (0200, 0300, 0400, 0500) apparently due to agricultural influences. This represents a significant deterioration in comparison with 1989. The lower section (0600) was satisfactory.


    River List for Hydrometric Area 30


    River: HEADFORD STREAM Code: 30/H/01*

    Tributary of : Lough Corrib - OS grid reference : M 262 435


    SAMPLING STATION                                  QUALITY (Q) RATINGS
    NO    LOCATION                          1979   1981   1983   1985   1989   1993
    
    
    0100 Bridge E. of Headford Castle - 5 4-5 4 3-4 - 0200 Bridge W. of Clooneen 3 3 1-2 2-3 2-3 - 0300 Bridge u/s Lough Corrib 3-4 3-4 3 3 3 3-4

    Assessment: The Headford Stream is eutrophic on reaching Lough Corrib (0300). This stream appears to be causing a serious filamentous algal problem in the enclosed bay at Mount Ross where the Headford joins Lough Corrib. This entire bay was covered with filamentous macroalgae when surveyed in July 1993. A video survey was carried out.


    River List for Hydrometric Area 30


    River: JOYCE'S Code: 30/J/01

    Tributary of : Bealanabrack - OS grid reference : L 930 548


    SAMPLING STATION                                  QUALITY (Q) RATINGS
    NO    LOCATION                             1982     1985     1989     1994
    
    
    0100 Ford W.N.W. of Griggins 5 5 5 4 0200 Br u/s Bealanabrack River - - 5 4

    Assessment: Satisfactory at both sites examined.


    River List for Hydrometric Area 30


    River: KILMAINE Code: 30/K/01*

    Tributary of : Lough Corrib - OS grid reference : M 187 533


    SAMPLING STATION                                  QUALITY (Q) RATINGS
    NO    LOCATION                                    1985           1989
    
    
    0250 Bridge S. of Illaunmore - 4 0280 Br S. of Dowagh Cross Roads - 4 0300 Bridge u/s Lough Corrib 4 4

    Assessment: No assessment on file


    River List for Hydrometric Area 30


    River: KNOCKAUNRANNY STREAM Code: 30/K/02

    Tributary of : Ross Lake - OS grid reference : M 197 357


    SAMPLING STATION                                  QUALITY (Q) RATINGS
    NO    LOCATION                                    1989           1993
    
    
    0100 Bridge u/s Ross Lake 5 4-5

    Assessment: Satisfactory.


    River List for Hydrometric Area 30


    River: LOUGH NACORRALEA STREAM Code: 30/L/03

    Tributary of : Aille (Mayo) - OS grid reference : M 139 737


    SAMPLING STATION                                  QUALITY (Q) RATINGS
    NO    LOCATION                                    1989           1993
    
    
    0100 Bridge d/s Lough Nacorralea 4-5 4 0400 Bridge E. of Cloonee 4 4

    Assessment: Satisfactory.


    River List for Hydrometric Area 30


    River: LOUGHKIP Code: 30/L/01

    Tributary of : Lough Corrib (Ballycuirke Lough) - OS grid reference : M 241 333


    SAMPLING STATION                                  QUALITY (Q) RATINGS
    NO    LOCATION                                 1985      1989      1993
    
    
    0100 Laughil Bridge - 4 4 0200 Bridge u/s Ballycuirke Lough 4-5 5 4

    Assessment: This Ballycuirke Lough tributary was satisfactory in August 1993. It is unlikely to be the cause of the water quality problems observed in Ballycuirke Lough. (See also Moycullen Canal and Ballycuirke River).


    River List for Hydrometric Area 30


    River: MOYCULLEN CANAL Code: 30/M/03*

    Tributary of : Ballycuirke Lough - OS grid reference :


    SAMPLING STATION                                  QUALITY (Q) RATINGS
    NO    LOCATION                                    1989           1993
    
    
    0400 Br u/s Ballycuirke Lough 4 3

    Assessment: Unsatisfactory in 1993. It is likely that nutrients conveyed to Ballycuirke Lough via the Moycullen Canal are responsible for the algal blooms observed in that lake. (See also Ballycuirke and Loughkip Rivers.)


    River List for Hydrometric Area 30


    River: NANNY (TUAM) Code: 30/N/01

    Tributary of : Clare (Galway) - OS grid reference : M 418 529


    SAMPLING STATION                                  QUALITY (Q) RATINGS
    NO    LOCATION                     1971 1973 1975 1979 1981 1983 1987 1989 1994
    
    
    0050 Bridge N.E. of Stripe - - - - 4 5 4 - - 0100 Bridge S. of Oakmount - - - - 5 5 4 3 4 0200 Tuam: Shop Street Bridge - - - - 4 3-4 3 - - 0210 Tuam: Claremorris-Gway R - - - - - - - 3 - 0300 Weir Bridge 2 1-2 1 1 1 1 1 1 2-3

    Assessment: An improvement was noted in the lower Nanny (0300) due to the redirection of Tuam sewage to a new sewage treatment works. This is the first improvement in the quality of the Nanny since surveys began in 1971. Further improvement is expected as older deposits are flushed out of the river and with further piping of effluents to the sewage treatment works.


    River List for Hydrometric Area 30


    River: OWENBRIN Code: 30/O/01

    Tributary of : Lough Mask - OS grid reference : M 058 626


    SAMPLING STATION                                  QUALITY (Q) RATINGS
    NO    LOCATION                                 1985      1989      1993
    
    
    0050 Bridge W. of Barnahowna - 5 3* 0080 600 m u/s Sampling Stat 0100 - 5* - 0100 Bridge N.E. of Cappanacreha 5 3* 3* 0200 Bridge u/s Lough Mask 5 4* 3*

    Assessment: The Owenbrin is an important west bank tributary of Lough Mask. The upper site sampled (0050) had a poor faunal community and unusually dense algal growths for a river which would be expected to be quite oligotrophic. Faunal density had recovered somewhat in comparison with 1989 but the faunal community was not as sensitive as that recorded in 1985. In particular the pollution-sensitive stoneflies Perla have disappeared from the river between 1985 and 1989 and have not yet returned. All sites were less than satisfactory. Land erosion due to sheep overgrazing on the hillsides is the likely cause of this decline. A photographic video survey of the catchment was also carried out on 30 June 1993 which documents the extent of the erosion problem. The Owenbrin valley suffers from extensive overgrazing and erosion along the hillsides. This catchment is one of the more severe examples of adverse water quality effects in the west of Ireland due to over-grazing and consequent erosion. As an important spawning river for Lough Mask the Owenbrin this problem should be seen as an urgent water quality problem in the Lough Mask catchment.


    River List for Hydrometric Area 30


    River: OWENRIFF (CORRIB) Code: 30/O/02

    Tributary of : Lough Corrib - OS grid reference : M 130 435


    SAMPLING STATION                                  QUALITY (Q) RATINGS
    NO    LOCATION                            1971 1973 1977 1981 1985 1989 1994
    
    
    0070 1 km d/s Lough Agraffard - - - - - 4 4 0100 1 km u/s Oughterard Bridge 4-5 4 4 5 4 4-5 4 0190 Bridge u/s Lough Corrib 4 4 4-5 4-5 4 3-4 3-4

    Assessment: Satisfactory apart from the last station in Oughterard which remains slightly polluted.


    River List for Hydrometric Area 30


    River: OWENWEE (CORRIB) Code: 30/O/03

    Tributary of : Lough Corrib - OS grid reference : M 014 484


    SAMPLING STATION                                  QUALITY (Q) RATINGS
    NO    LOCATION                                 1985      1989      1994
    
    
    0100 Bridge S.E. of Bofin Lodge 4-5 4-5 - 0180 200 m d/s Tawnaghbeg Lough - 4 4

    Assessment: Satisfactory.


    River List for Hydrometric Area 30


    River: ROBE Code: 30/R/01

    Tributary of : Lough Mask - OS grid reference : M 153 658


    SAMPLING STATION                                  QUALITY (Q) RATINGS
    NO    LOCATION                     1971 1977 1980 1982 1983 1985 1987 1989 1994
    
    
    0015 Br S of Cloonbullan - - - - - - - - 4-5 0030 Kilknock Bridge - - - - - - - 3 3-4 0050 Br 4 km E. of Clrmorris - - 4 3-4 - 4-5 - 4 - 0100 Br S.W. of Meelick 5 - 4 3-4 - 4-5 3-4 - - 0110 Br S.E. of Castlemagarrett - - - - - - - 3-4 3-4 0200 Bridge in Crossboyne 4-5 4-5 4 3 - 4 4 3-4 3-4 0300 Bridge near Tagheen - - 4 3-4 - 4 4 3-4 - 0310 Br E of Hollybrook House - - - - - - - - 3 0400 Hollymount Bridge 5 5 4 4 - 3-4 3-4 4 3 0500 Foxhall Bridge - - 4 4 - 4 3-4 4 - 0510 Robeen Bridge - - - - - - - - 4 0600 Bridge u/s Ballinrobe 4-5 4 4 4 - 4 4 4-5 3 0650 Bridge in Ballinrobe - - - - - - - - - 0700 E. Br N.E. of Sprgvale H 4 4 4-5 4 3 3-4 3 4 - 0800 W. Br N.E. of Sprgvale H - - 4 3 3 - - - - 0900 100m d/s Station 0800 - - - - - 3 3-4 3 3 1000 1 km u/s Lough Mask - - - 3-4 - - 4 3-4 3-4

    Assessment: The uppermost Robe site sampled (0015) was satisfactory. The stretch from Kilknock Bridge (0030) to Castlemagarret (0200) was quite eutrophic due to diffuse agricultural runoff. Effluents from Claremorris and Ballindine reach the river upstream of 0310 and quality was again unsatisfactory at 0310 and 0400. An improvement in the Robeen Bridge section (0510) was not maintained, however, and quality declined again at 0600. Ballinrobe sewage enters the river upstream of 0900 and the main river channel remained slightly polluted to Lough Mask (0100). The commissioning of a new Ballinrobe sewage treatment works with phosphorus removal is expected to improve quality significantly in the lower section of the river. Agricultural runoff in the upper catchment especially has resulted in significant growths of Cladophora which cover the river bed. This is likely to significantly reduce trout spawning potential in the River Robe and reduce recruitment of trout to Lough Mask.


    River List for Hydrometric Area 30


    River: SCARDAUN Code: 30/S/04

    Tributary of : Robe - OS grid reference : M 322 704


    SAMPLING STATION                                  QUALITY (Q) RATINGS
    NO    LOCATION                                    1989           1994
    
    
    0100 Bridge at Scardaun 2-3 3 0400 At Curraghadooey 3 - 0500 Just u/s Robe River confluence - 3

    Assessment: Both sites examined on the Scardaun River were moderately polluted apparently due to agricultural runoff.


    River List for Hydrometric Area 30


    River: SINKING Code: 30/S/01

    Tributary of : Clare (Galway) - OS grid reference : M 432 638


    SAMPLING STATION                                  QUALITY (Q) RATINGS
    NO    LOCATION                            1971 1973 1977 1979 1984 1989 1994
    
    
    South Branch 0010 Br S of Bracklagh* - - - - - - 3-4 0025 Bridge W. of Parkbaun - - - - - 3-4 3-4 North Branch 0045 Bridge S. of Cloonkeen - - - - - 3-4 4 0055 Bridge u/s confl with S. limb - - - - - 3-4 3-4 Main Channel 0060 Br S. of Carrowkeelanaghglass - - - - - 4 - 0080 Br SW of Carrowkeelanahglass - - - - - - 3-4 0100 Br 3 km u/s Dunmore Bridge 5 - 4-5 4-5 4 4 - 0200 Dunmore Bridge - - - - 4 4 - 0300 Br 1.2 km d/s Dunmore Bridge 4 5 4 4 4 3-4 3-4 0320 Br NW of Ballymoney - - - - - - 4 0350 Bridge S. of Ardcloon 4-5 - 4 4-5 4 - - 0400 Bridge N. of Cloonaghgarve - - - - - 4 4

    Assessment: The South Branch of the upper Sinking River (0010, 0025) was slightly polluted. The upper North Branch (0045) was of better quality than the South Branch but quality declined at 0055. The main channel was unsatisfactory as far as 0300 and then recovered over the remainder of its length (0320, 0400).


    River List for Hydrometric Area 30


    River: SRAH STREAM Code: 30/S/02*

    Tributary of : Lough Mask - OS grid reference : M 123 718


    SAMPLING STATION                                  QUALITY (Q) RATINGS
    NO    LOCATION                           1985    1986    1988    1989    1993
    
    
    Upper Branch 0100 E Br at Srah - 4-5 4-5 5 - Lower Branch 0220 'Br' W of Drumcoggy - 4-5 4-5 5 - 0240 100 m d/s 'Br' W of Drumcoggy - 2-3 5 5 4-5 0300 Br 1.4 km u/s confluence - 3/0 5 5 - Main Channel 0400 Br u/s Lough Mask 5 4/0 4 5 3

    Assessment: Satisfactory at the upper site (0220) downstream of Tourmakeady water works. A possible silage or slurry spill was noted at the Bridge upstream of L. Mask (0400) where substantial sewage fungus growths were present. The source of the problem was not found but based on a visual inspection in the Srah region it is believed to be quite close to site 0400.


    River List for Hydrometric Area 30


    River: SRAHNALONG Code: 30/S/03

    Tributary of : Lough Mask - OS grid reference : M 019 613


    SAMPLING STATION                                  QUALITY (Q) RATINGS
    NO    LOCATION                                 1985      1989      1993
    
    
    0100 Bridge u/s Lough Mask 5 5 4

    Assessment: Satisfactory. The Srahnalong catchment is adjacent to the Owenbrin (qv) catchment on the west shore of Lough Mask. The faunal community is substantially similar to the Owenbrin but more abundant and not obviously impacted by erosion.


    River List for Hydrometric Area 30


    River: TERRYLAND Code: 30/T/01

    Tributary of : Corrib (Distributary) - OS grid reference : M 295 265


    SAMPLING STATION                                  QUALITY (Q) RATINGS
    NO    LOCATION                           1980    1982    1984    1989    1994
    
    
    0100 At Terryland Castle - - - - - 0200 Bridge on Galway-Headford Rd 4 4 4 4 3-4 0300 50 m d/s Terryland Bridge - - - - - 0400 400 m d/s Terryland Bridge 1/0 3/0 3 3/0 2-3

    Assessment: Unsatisfactory at both sites sampled.


    River List for Hydrometric Area 30


    River: TULLAGHAUN Code: 30/T/03

    Tributary of : Dalgan - OS grid reference : M 484 738


    SAMPLING STATION                                  QUALITY (Q) RATINGS
    NO    LOCATION                                    1989           1994
    
    
    0300 Bridge u/s Dalgan River 4 4

    Assessment: Satisfactory.


    River List for Hydrometric Area 30