Pinkeen Stream now in very good condition

The biodiversity health and water quality of Pinkeen Stream is now in very good shape, the recent meeting of Kilcullen Community Action heard, writes Brian Byrne.

This follows a major cleanup last year, which included dredging of the stream with the help of Kildare County Council.

Ray Kelly noted that there are now ducks there regularly, and Noel Clare added that an egret has also been seen on the stream. "The water quality is great," he added.

The next stage of the recovery plan for the stream is to introduce some large rocks and stones at strategic points, to improve the 'sinuosity' of the currents flow. This will have the effect of providing riffles and runs to help create a diverse habitat both for fish life and insects.

Ray Kelly said he'd liaise with local resident and environmental expert Dr Jan Baars as to the best places to locate the stones.

The meeting also agreed that KCA would organise the re-baiting of rat traps which had been placed in the vicinity of the stream last year.

Pinkeen is listed as one of 24 official tributaries of the 125km River Liffey.