Suspected contamination leads to 'major fish kill' in North Cork

AT least 5,000 fish have died in what Inland Fisheries Ireland(IFI) is describing as “a major fish kill” in a Special Area of Conservation and noted spawning habitat for fish near Kanturk.

The incident occurred on the River Allow, and it is suspected that the contamination of the water is linked to the Freemont Water Treatment Plant, operated by Uisce Eireann.

Species of fish discovered dead so far include juvenile Atlantic salmon, brown trout, lamprey, eel, stone loach, roach, and dace.

As well as being an abundant salmon and trout habitat, the river supports a population of freshwater pearl mussel.

The freshwater pearl mussel is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, and is one of the 365 most endangered species in the world – it is protected under the EU Habitats Directive.

European freshwater pearl mussel populations have declined by 90% over the past century, and the area in which the pollution occurred is one of 27 freshwater pearl mussel populations in Ireland which are protected within Special Areas of Conservation (SACs).

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) said officers are, "still attempting to determine the scale of the kill, with fish mortalities observed up to four kilometres downstream of the source location," with multiple state bodies said to be involved in the investigation, including the Environmental Protection Agency.

IFI said its staff were on site again on Monday to investigate the pollution event, and have taken water samples from the river to gather evidence of the discharge, and source point of contamination, to advance any potential prosecution.

Uisce Éireann said in a statement that is investigating “a reported spillage” at the Freemount Water Treatment Plant in North Cork.

They said: “Uisce Éireann has engaged with Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI)and the EPA has been notified,” and added, that once the investigation is complete, an update will be made available.

IFI are responsible for the protection and conservation of freshwater fish and habitats, are reminding the public they can report instances of fish kills, pollution or illegal fishing nationwide by calling their confidential 24/7 number 0818 34 74 24.