McGreehan welcomes ministerial visit after Louth river fish kill
Minister Timmy Dooley visited Louth to meet local communities and fisheries officials
Fianna Fáil TD for Louth, Erin McGreehan, on Friday welcomed Minister of State with responsibility for Fisheries, Timmy Dooley TD, to the River Glyde following the significant fish kill which has devastated stretches of the river and raised serious concerns among local communities and anglers.
Minister Dooley and Deputy McGreehan met with local anglers, community representatives and Inland Fisheries Ireland officials to discuss the impact of the incident
Deputy McGreehan said the scale of the fish kill was deeply upsetting.
"Reports suggest that up to 20,000 fish may have been lost in this incident. It is difficult to overstate the impact that has on the river, on biodiversity and on the many people who care deeply about protecting this natural resource.
"The River Glyde is an important part of our local environment and a valued amenity for communities right across County Louth. Seeing such extensive damage is heartbreaking for those who have worked for years to improve and protect the river."
Deputy McGreehan said the Minister's visit demonstrated the seriousness with which the Government is treating the incident.
"I appreciate Minister Dooley travelling to Louth to meet directly with those affected and to see the situation on the ground for himself. It is important that this matter is being treated with the utmost seriousness.”
Deputy McGreehan also paid tribute to Inland Fisheries Ireland staff and local volunteers who have been responding to the incident.
"I want to acknowledge the swift response from Inland Fisheries Ireland and the efforts of local anglers and community members who have been assisting on the ground. Their commitment to protecting the river has been evident throughout this difficult situation."
IFI officers have been conducting sampling and clean-up operations on the river, while deploying kayak, drone and foot patrols to assess the extent of the damage.
Fish mortalities include Atlantic salmon, eel, brown trout, pike, minnow and coarse fish species.
The source of the pollution has been identified as an agricultural discharge and has been stopped.
Water samples taken from the river have been sent for laboratory analysis and a file is being prepared for consideration of prosecution.
Deputy McGreehan said she would continue to work closely with Minister Dooley, Inland Fisheries Ireland and local stakeholders as efforts continue to assess the full extent of the environmental damage and support the river's recovery.