Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), in conjunction with other government agencies, is continuing to investigate a significant fish kill in Co. Dublin.

Early indications suggest more than 500 fish have died, IFI said in a statement on Sunday (August 2).

The incident occurred on the Tolka River in Co. Dublin near Damastown. 

Fish kill

Fish mortalities were observed over a 2km stretch of the river.

Species of fish discovered dead include brown trout, eel, stickleback, lamprey, and minnow.

IFI staff received a hotline report on Saturday (August 1) and responded immediately to attend the scene and investigate the incident.

Water samples were taken from the river and will be sent for analysis.

Interagency

IFI said it is working with other government agencies in line with the new national interagency protocol for investigating significant fish kills. 

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

It included representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Fingal County Council, and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). 

As a result of the progress made, a definite line of enquiry has been established, and the group has completed its role.

IFI said it 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.

Cavan River fish kill

IFI confirmed on Friday evening that a definite line of inquiry regarding a significant fish kill that took place at Cavan River was being followed.

The incident occurred on Cavan River within Cavan town, and it is estimated that more than 7,500 fish have died.

Fish mortalities were observed over a 2km stretch of the river. No further fish fatalities after the incident have been observed.

Species of fish discovered dead include brown trout, European eel, roach, lamprey and minnow, as well as freshwater crayfish.

IFI, the EPA, Cavan County Council, the NPWS, and the River Basin Management Service have been on the ground investigating the issue.

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

An interagency group led by IFI met on Friday for a third meeting to discuss progress on the investigation.

As a result of the progress made, a definite line of enquiry has been established, and the group has completed its role.

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