Fingal County Council have issued the warning after the “significant” fish kill in the Tolka River near Clonee in west Dublin
Dead brown trout and eel found by IFI at Tolka River fish kill(Image: IFI)
People have been urged to stay away from a stretch of Dublin river where over 500 fish were killed last week.
Fingal County Council have issued the warning after the “significant” fish kill in the Tolka River near Clonee in west Dublin. The Council, on foot of HSE advice, have warned people not to swim or fish in the river, and to keep their pets away until further notice.
They said: “Following the recent fish kill in the River Tolka around Clonee, the HSE has advised the public not to swim or use affected areas where fish mortality is visible for any recreational purpose. People are also advised not to fish, handle dead fish, or consume fish caught from affected stretches of the river.
“In addition, pets and livestock should be kept away from the riverbanks and out of the water. Further updates will be issued once received from the various agencies involved.”
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) are investigating the incident, with mortalities observed over a 2km stretch of the river. Species of fish discovered dead include brown trout, eel, stickleback, lamprey, and minnow.
A spokesperson for the IFI said: “IFI staff received a hotline report on Saturday August 1st and responded immediately to attend the scene and investigate the incident. Water samples were taken from the river and will be sent for analysis.
“IFI is working with other government agencies in line with the new national interagency protocol for investigating significant fish kills. An interagency group was convened under the protocol on Sunday August 2nd to enable rapid coordination during the initial response to the incident.
“It included representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency, Fingal County Council, and the National Parks and Wildlife Service. As a result of the progress made, a definite line of enquiry has been established, and the group has completed its role.”IFI continues to urge the public to report instances of fish kills, water pollution, habitat destruction, or illegal fishing to its confidential 24/7 number, 0818 34 74 24.”
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