More than 500 brown trout have died in a major fish kill on a tributary of the Moynalty River north of Kells, Co. Meath.

The deaths were recorded across a 9km stretch of the river, with Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) and its statutory partners now investigating the cause.

IFI officers attended the site of the fish kill on Monday (August 10) and are now pursuing a "definite line of inquiry".

It confirmed that water samples and fish samples have been taken from the river for analysis.

IFI has advised members of the public not to consume any dead fish found at waterways in the area.

This marks the second significant fish kill in Co. Meath in less than a week.

IFI confirmed it had launched an investigation into fish kill which had happened on Boycetown River which is a tributary of the River Boyne, near Trim.

It was estimated that more than 900 brown trout have died.

Staff from IFI and Meath County Council attended the location on Wednesday August 5th and on Thursday August 6th, and recorded dead fish over a 2km stretch of the river.

Species of dead fish included approximately 900 brown trout and a small number of stickleback.

Fish kill

The fish kill on a tributary of the Moynalty River is the latest in a worrying series of incidents that have left thousands of fish dead this summer.

Just last month, IFI confirmed it was investigating a “significant fish kill” on the river in Cavan town, with early indications suggesting more than 4,500 fish had died.

Separate investigations have also been launched into fish kills in counties Cork, Galway and Dublin.

IFI has urged the public to report instances of fish kills, water pollution, habitat destruction, or illegal fishing to its confidential 24/7 number, 0818 34 74 24.