Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) and statutory partners are now following a definite line of inquiry regarding a significant fish kill that took place in Co. Kildare this week.

The incident occurred on the River Rye (or Rye Water) near Maynooth, and it is estimated that more than 500 fish have died.

Fish mortalities were observed over a 4km stretch of the river. 

Species of fish discovered dead include brown trout, lamprey, stone loach, minnow, eel, and gudgeon.

IFI, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Kildare County Council, with support from the River Basin Management Service, have been on the ground investigating the issue.

Water and fish samples have been taken from the river and will be sent for analysis. 

Fish kill

An interagency group met yesterday (Thursday, July 2), led by IFI, to discuss the fish kill.

It included representatives from Kildare County Council, the EPA, the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), and the River Basin Management Service.

IFI said that it has been working with statutory bodies in line with the new national interagency protocol for investigating significant fish kills, and is the lead agency on this case.

The interagency group was convened under the protocol to enable rapid coordination during the initial response to the incident. 

As a result, a definite line of enquiry has been established, however IFI has not confirmed if it is from an agricultural or industrial source.

The investigation now moves into the next phase under the lead of IFI, working closely with relevant agencies.

IFI continues to urge 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.