Photo: Deceased fish recovered from the River Glyde
Inland Fisheries Ireland has released a further update on the devastating pollution incident on the River Glyde, confirming that more than 20,000 fish have died along a 25-kilometre stretch of the river. The incident, which has been linked to an agricultural discharge, is now the subject of an ongoing investigation, with a file being prepared for potential prosecution.
Three deceased salmon recovered from River Glyde by IFI staff
IFI officers have been carrying out sampling and clean-up operations along the river while also deploying kayaks, drones and foot patrols to assess the extent of the damage.
Among the species affected are Atlantic salmon, eel, brown trout, pike, minnow and a number of coarse fish species.
The source of the pollution has been identified as an agricultural discharge and has since been stopped. Water samples taken from the river have been sent for laboratory analysis and a file is now being prepared for potential prosecution.
Inland Fisheries Ireland has reminded members of the public to exercise caution when working near waterbodies at this time of year and continues to encourage people to report any fisheries concerns through its confidential 24-hour hotline on 0818 34 74 24.
Meanwhile, Louth County Council has said it has been monitoring oxygen levels in the River Glyde and is satisfied that the incident is clearing, with levels returning to normal.
The local authority has also liaised with Uisce Éireann, which has confirmed there are no issues affecting water used for public abstraction.
The Tallanstown water treatment plant was decommissioned more than a year ago and there are no other public abstraction points in the affected area.
The River Glyde flows into Dundalk Bay at Annagassan and, to date, no impacts on coastal waters or bathing water sites have been reported.
Louth County Council said it will continue to carry out weekly monitoring in accordance with its obligations under the Bathing Water Regulations.
