‘MODERNISING OUR SOCIETY CAME WITH HEAVY PENALTIES FOR OUR ANCIENT NATURAL RESOURCES’
A SCREENING of the though-provoking documentary film ‘River Runner’ will take place at the Castle Hotel in Macroom next Monday evening at 8.30pm.
Directed by Declan O’Mahony the film shows how the drive to provide power for Cork City turned parts of the River Lee into a ‘watery desert and how the damming of the river at Inniscarra damaged the delicate environment and all but wiped out some indigenous marine species.
In particular it focuses on the destruction of the River Lee’s wild Atlantic salmon to convey what its makers described as the ‘disturbing truth’ of what has happened to the river’s ecosystem since the 1950s.
The film also looks at the plight of the many people who were forced from their homes which were then flooded by giant reservoirs and the destruction of The Gearagh, a critical primeval forest system, which contained yew trees dating back to before the birth of Christ.
Narrated by environmental biologist Kevin Corcoran and salmon angling expert Alan Nolan, ‘River Runner’ details how the construction of the hydro-electric project and the resulting two dams came at a “shocking” price to the local environment.
“It halted the migration of the Atlantic salmon, eel and trout creating a watery desert devoid of natural life as trout, otter, eel and freshwater mussel stocks completely collapsed and the Lee’s vibrant angling-tourism industry was wiped out,” said Mr Nolan.
Declan O’Mahony said ‘River Runner’ tells the tale from the salmon’s perspective, outlining the many problems the fish faces on its arduous journey from sea to source and back again.
It also discusses possible solutions to issues raised.
“Only two generations ago the river, from the wonderful harbour to its idyllic source at Gougaunne Barra, was an integral source of food, work and leisure for the citizens of Cork. Modernising our society from the 1950’s onwards came with heavy penalties for our ancient natural resources,” said Mr O’Mahony.
He said we are now “at a new chapter of development” with critical climactic changes forcing us to re-evaluate our connection with Nature.
“The Lee has a wonderfully unique inland forest delta which needs protection and proper development. Obstacles in our major rivers like dams and weirs are out dated and can be modified and removed in accordance with European Environmental laws and those with the interest are fully aware that effective programmes need to be put in place,” said Mr O’Mahony.
“The benefits for eco-tourism and the dormant local economies would be tremendous and so badly needed. Our rivers are part of our natural heritage and they urgently need our attention. It should be our highest priority to protect them for future generations of Irish people to enjoy. Personally I do not wish to leave a legacy of destruction behind for my children to deal with,” he added.
Admission to River Runner, which is being screened as part of the Briery Gap’s autumn/winter programme, will be €5.