Inland Fisheries Ireland(IFI) is investigating a significant fish kill in Co Cavan, with more than 1,000 fish mortalities recorded at Ballinagh River.
IFI environmental and fisheries staff have identified deceased brown trout, stickleback, minnow and roach along a 1km stretch of the river.
Water samples have been taken from the scene, and IFI is following a definite line of enquiry into the suspected source of the pollution.
In a statement Dr Milton Matthews, Director of IFI’s North-Western River Basin District, commented: "High temperatures and low-flow conditions do not appear to be the primary cause of this incident. The needless loss of so many young fish, at a time when Ireland’s natural environment is already under considerable pressure, is deeply disappointing."
IFI will continue to actively examine the cause of this harmful ecological event at the river.
Inland Fisheries Ireland was alerted to a contamination impact in the water by a member of the public last evening, Sunday July 13th.
IFI continues to appeal to people to report instances of fish kills or suspected water pollution to its 24-hour confidential phoneline, 0818 34 74 24.
