Fishing ban at Cork's Lough lifted three months after first bird flu alert

A temporary fishing ban on The Lough in Cork has been lifted, more than three months after a confirmed Irish outbreak of bird flu led to its introduction.

The ban was introduced by Cork City Council last September after the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine confirmed the presence of the low-pathogenic strain of avian influenza LPAI (H5N1) in a number of dead mallards at the popular amenity and wildfowl sanctuary.

At the time the council said the ban on fishing was necessary to minimise the risk of the virus spreading and to protect both the public and the local bird population.

Two months later, in November, five outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) were confirmed on poultry premises in Carlow, Meath, Monaghan, Laois, and Cavan. 

Now, with the Department of Agriculture confirming this week that there have been no outbreaks of HPAI detected in Ireland in 2026 to date, the ban on fishing at The Lough has been lifted.

The Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Fergal Dennehy, said conditions are now deemed safe and the restrictions have been lifted.

“The Lough is a treasured part of Cork city life and a hugely important attraction for both local and international coarse anglers,” he said.

“It is a place that brings people together, encourages outdoor activity, and connects us with nature in the heart of the city.”

He added that he, in common with many other Leesiders, has a personal connection to the amenity.

“Like many people in Cork, I spent many happy days as a child fishing at The Lough."

Christopher O’Sullivan, minister of state at the Department of Agriculture and Fianna Fáil TD for Cork South West, said it was good news for wildlife and for the general public.

“I would like to ask people to remain vigilant and to thank them for their adherence to guidelines,” he said.