Northern Ireland Water got the fine following a leak at its Laurelvale pumping station on 23 October 2008.

When the leak started an alarm did not sound which increased the possibility of the incident becoming more serious.

However, the company claims the environmental impact was ‘low’ and that no fish were killed as a result.

Because of this a spokesman said the fine from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency ‘does not reflect the nature of the incident’ and Northern Ireland Water would be appealing the decision.

He said: “We cooperated fully with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency throughout this process … we will be appealing this decision.”

“We view the protection of the environment as a major priority and takes the role in safeguarding it extremely seriously.

“We are also the only public body in Northern Ireland to enjoy International ISO 14001 status, an international standardisation awarded based on a company’s environmental management system.”

Luke Walsh

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