Cork councillor says 'karma will catch river polluter'

Karma will catch up with the polluter or polluters who caused the “significant fish kill” in small tributary of the Douglas River, a Cork City South East Councillor has warned, as he urged those responsible to reveal themselves.

Peter Horgan of the Labour Party was speaking as investigations continued after the discovery on Thursday of up to 1,500 dead fish in the Ballybrack River.

Mr Horgan said that he had spoken with the Inland Fisheries Ireland investigators and it was clear that the burden of proof to pursue convictions remained “stubbornly high”.

“I would appeal to the person or erodes who carelessly caused this water pollution and fish kill to reveal themselves to authorities,” said Mr Horgan. 

“It may not have been maliciously intended but the impact has been devastating for the fish population in Ballybrack.

“It is my belief that karma will catch them if the authorities cannot. I would also urge members of the public to be mindful of how they dispose of any fluids and to be watchful if they notice something untoward.”