Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) says it is following a definite line of inquiry regarding a significant fish kill that took place in the Cavan River in Cavan town this week.
As previously reported on Afloat.ie, fish mortalities were observed over a 2km stretch of the river, and it is now estimated that more than 7,500 fish have died.
Species of fish discovered dead include brown trout, European eel, roach, lamprey and minnow, as well as freshwater crayfish. No further fish fatalities after the incident have been observed.
IFI and its statutory partners in the EPA, Cavan County Council, National Parks and Wildlife Service and River Basin Management Service have been on the ground investigating the issue.
Water samples have been taken from the river and sent for analysis.
An interagency group led by IFI met on Friday (31 July) for a third meeting to discuss progress on the investigation and included representatives from the EPA, Cavan County Council, River Basin Management Service, HSE and Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment.
The interagency group was convened under the new national interagency protocol for investigating significant fish kills, to enable rapid coordination during the initial response to the incident.
As a result of the progress made, IFI — which is the lead agency on the case — says a definite line of enquiry has been established, and the group has completed its role.
The investigation now moves into the next phase under the lead of IFI, working closely with relevant agencies.
