The Minister of State for Fisheries, Timmy Dooley has told anglers that fines are “not fit for purpose” as he visited the Co Louth river affected by a significant fish kill.
As previously reported on Afloat.ie, Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) began investigating the incident in the River Glyde this past Tuesday (2 June), which has since been confirmed was caused by an agricultural discharge.
IFI estimates that more than 20,000 fish have been killed in the incident over a 25km stretch of the river between Aclint Bridge in Co Monaghan and Lynns Weir in Castlebellingham.
One local angler described the fish kill it as “a complete wipeout of all fish stocks” and the worst of its like that he had seen in four decades.
IFI officers have been conducting sampling and clean-up operations on the river, and deploying kayak, drone and foot patrols to assess the affected area. A file is also being prepared for potential prosecution.
Separately, Louth County Council has added it has been monitoring oxygen levels in the River Glyde and is satisfied the incident is clearing, with levels returning to normal.
The council has liaised with Uisce Éireann, which has confirmed that there are no issues affecting water for public use.
The Irish Independent has more on the story HERE.
