Water users are being urged to follow strict biosecurity measures after a crayfish plague outbreak was confirmed in the River Camac in west Dublin.
Minister for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O'Sullivan issued the appeal following reports from the Marine Institute confirming the presence of the disease at Corkagh Park in Clondalkin. The outbreak affects Ireland's native white-clawed crayfish, a globally threatened species protected under Irish and European legislation.
The disease, caused by a water mould, has devastated crayfish populations in affected waterways since 2015. While it poses no risk to humans, pets or livestock, authorities say it can spread easily between water bodies on wet equipment and clothing.
A white-clawed crayfish, Ireland's only native crayfish species, which is protected under Irish and European law and is now threatened by a crayfish plague outbreak in the River Camac catchment
O'Sullivan described the outbreak as a significant concern. "Ireland hosts some of the largest surviving populations of the rare white-clawed crayfish in Europe," he said. "This disease outbreak is of great concern as it is within a previously unaffected catchment and is a real threat to Ireland's only native crayfish species, as it can spread extremely easily to other waters."
The minister urged anglers, boaters, canoeists and all river users to adopt the "Check, Clean, Dry" protocol before moving between waterways. "Please check, clean and thoroughly dry all equipment and clothing that comes in contact with the water before entering the water again," he said.
It is not known how the disease reached the Camac catchment, although contaminated equipment is considered the most likely source.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is coordinating efforts with the Marine Institute, Inland Fisheries Ireland, Waterways Ireland, local authorities and community groups to contain the outbreak and assess its impact.
Water users are advised to remove mud, plants and animal material from equipment, clean thoroughly using hot water where possible, and allow gear to dry completely before reuse. Members of the public who find dead crayfish are asked to report sightings to the NPWS or log records through the National Biodiversity Data Centre.
