While Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has put the toll of the fish kill on the river Blackwater at between 8,000 and 10,000, local fishing groups who have branded the kill as ‘an ecological disaster’, are claiming the kill could amount to as much as 46,000.
While it was initially brown trout that were affected, it is now believed that all species are affected, with fish in the Clyda and Awbeg rivers also reported to be hit with what is thought to be a fungal disease due to low water levels.
The kill, which was first reported on Tuesday of last week (12th), concerned a 14km stretch of the river between Roskeen Bridge near Lombardstown (upstream) and Killavullen Bridge. However, it is understood the kill has now extended towards Ballyhooly Bridge, totalling a 30km stretch.
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