Trout killed in Cavan town river

Approximately 150 trout were killed due to pollution in the 'Cavan town river' at the weekend.

A member of the public reported the incident to Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) on Saturday (July 1).

IFI did not indicate on which part of the river the incident occurred.

“IFI staff immediately went to the site and found that a pollution incident had occurred,” said an IFI spokesperson.

“On investigation the source of the pollution was identified and IFI staff took water samples.”

They added: the “source of the pollution was stopped shortly afterwards.”

“Approximately 150 trout were killed and investigations are continuing. IFI is working with other relevant agencies in relation to the incident and is not in a position to comment further on the specific cause of the fish kill.”

Inland Fisheries Ireland informed Cavan County Council of their investigation and have liaised with the EPA.

President of the Butlersbridge Trout Anglers Club Francie McNally said he is “not a bit” shocked by the fish kill in the river and described the incident as “a warning.”

“We’ve been dealing with this for years; this is nothing new.”

He explained that water levels are currently low due to recent spells of dry weather.

“When the water levels are low in the river it’s really dangerous if stuff goes into it,” he said.

“Our major problem is there is no one to complain to,” he said, detailing that pollution complaints are constantly being referred to other organisations which he finds “very frustrating.”