Over 4,500 fish killed at Cavan town river

Early indications suggest that over 4,500 fish have died after a significant fish kill at Cavan Town river.

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), in conjunction with other government agencies, is continuing to investigate the significant fish kill at Cavan town river, however have said it is "too early" to definitively establish the cause.

IFI officers have observed significant numbers of dead trout, coarse fish and eels over a 2-km stretch of the river.

"Early indications suggest more than 4,500 fish have died," an IFI spokesperson stated.

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

IFI officers received a hotline report late on Tuesday night and attended onsite on Wednesday morning.

IFI is working with other government agencies in line with the national interagency protocol for investigating significant fish kills, and is the lead agency on this case.

"An interagency group met online yesterday to coordinate the ongoing investigation, and included representatives from Cavan County Council, the EPA, the Marine Institute, and the National Parks and Wildlife Service."

"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."