Toxic chemical spill likely cause of one of largest fish kills in history of the State

An estimated 50,000 fish species have been wiped out along the River Blackwater and some of its tributaries in North Cork

The fish kill, originally confined to the rivers between Banteer and Killavullen bridge, is spreading fast. Picture: Facebook/Conor Arnold

A toxic chemical spill now seems the most likely cause of what is claimed to be one of the largest fish kills in the history of the State.

The recent kill, estimated by local angling clubs to have so far claimed the lives of more than 50,000 fish species along the River Blackwater and some of its tributaries in North Cork, was initially believed to be due to the rapid spread of a bacterial infection.