Fish kill reported at Cavan River

Over 150 fish were found dead in the river

A large number of fish have been found dead in Ballinagh River last week.

The fish were discovered by a member of the Cavan Pike Anglers, Tony Dunne, who alerted the Inland Fisheries Ireland following the finding.

Speaking about the incident, IFI member Sarah Bohan said: “Environmental and Fisheries Officers from the North-Western River Basin District were alerted to the incident by a member of the public on the evening of July 19. Water samples were taken at the location and removed for scientific analysis.

“Inland Fisheries Ireland estimates that in excess of 150 fish were killed in the incident, including brown trout, stickleback and minnow.”

Investigations are currently ongoing into the cause of the kill.

“Inland Fisheries Ireland is not in a position to comment on the cause of the fish kill at this stage, pending further analysis of samples taken,” Sarah continued.

The Director of the North- Western River Basin District with Inland Fisheries Ireland, Dr Milton Matthews, acknowledged the ongoing support of the public in reporting suspected cases of water pollution and fish kills. He said: “We are grateful to the member of the public who reported this incident to us so promptly, which enabled our team to take immediate action and start our investigation without delay. Early notice is very often critical in determining the underlying cause of fish kill events, such as this one on the Ballinagh River.”

This isn’t the first time a large number of fish have been found dead in Ballinagh River, as a similar incident occurred in 2016 when waste water from a local sewerage plant leaked into the water. Irish Water were convicted and charged €2,500 following the incident.

Members of the public are encouraged to call Inland Fisheries Ireland’s new confidential 24-hour hotline number on 0818 34 74 24 to report any sightings of fish kills or suspected water pollution.