Compensation call for anglers after 'devastating' North Cork fish kill

A Cork TD has called for a compensation scheme to be introduced for anglers in Cork who have been affected by the mass killing of fish in the River Blackwater.

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has estimated that between 8,000 and 10,000 fish — mainly brown trout — have died in the Blackwater, Clyda, and Awbeg rivers over the past fortnight.

However, local angling clubs in Mallow, Lombardstown, and Killavullen have claimed that the number of fish lost in the kill in the River Blackwater and its tributaries since August 11 has been considerably higher.

They estimate that as many as 50,000 fish may have been killed along a 30km stretch between Lombardstown and Killavullen.

IFI has yet to confirm the precise cause of the kill, and has not updated its initial estimate of the number of fish killed.

Catastrophe

Pádraig O’Sullivan, Fianna Fáil TD for Cork North Central, said he was calling on the Government to put in place a compensation scheme to help angling clubs affected by the fish kill.

“I have spoken to anglers in my own constituency, and the impact on their clubs because of this catastrophe is devastating for them,” he said.

“Angler clubs attract a lot of anglers from the UK, the EU, the States, and beyond. At the moment, they cannot offer them the chance to fish in the river, and that is hard for them to make up.”

Mr O’Sullivan said clubs were now telling potential visitors that they are closed for the foreseeable future.

“While they wait on the results as to what the issue is in the river, I believe a compensation scheme must be set up for anglers,” he said.

“Anglers have paid for their fish licenses, some pay for tickets to join the clubs, and they are losing out on their money.”

He said angling clubs had invested considerable resources in building fish populations and in managing habitats.

“Local angling clubs are a part of our local economy, and I believe we should show recognition to the role they play in that by reimbursing them for their losses,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

Handling

Eoghan Kenny, Labour Party TD for Cork North Central, said he has written to Waterford Sinn Féin TD Conor D McGuinness, chairman of the joint Oireachtas committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, asking the committee to address the handling of the fish kill.

“I have requested that Inland Fisheries Ireland, Environmental Protection Agency, and Irish Water [Uisce Éireann] address the committee at the earliest possible opportunity to answer questions on the procedure, reports, and results that have been taken since August 11,” he said.