IFI investigates major fish kill in West Cork lake

Several hundred juvenile bream were found dead at Curraghalicky Lake near Dunmanway 

The largest incident occurred at Curraghalicky Lake near Dunmanway, where several hundred juvenile bream have been found dead. File picture

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is investigating three separate incidents in Cork and Kerry, including a major fish kill involving several hundred dead fish.

The largest incident occurred at Curraghalicky Lake near Dunmanway, where several hundred juvenile bream have been found dead.

A number of State agencies have joined the investigation under a new national inter-agency protocol for responding to significant fish kills.

They include the Environmental Protection Agency, Cork County Council, the Marine Institute, and the River Basin Management Service.

Separately, the IFI is investigating a suspected pollution incident on the Ross River at Killavullen, Co Cork, following reports of significant discolouration in the water.

No fish deaths have been reported in connection with that incident.

The report was made through IFI's 24-hour confidential hotline and Cork County Council has also been notified.

In a third incident, IFI is investigating a suspected pollution event on the Deenagh River in Killarney, Co Kerry.

While no dead fish have been reported, Kerry County Council, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, and the Environmental Protection Agency are assisting with the investigation.

IFI said it continues to monitor and assess the impact of all three incidents.

The agency urged members of the public to report suspected fish kills or pollution incidents to its confidential hotline on 0818 34 74 24.

IFI is responsible for more than 74,000km of rivers and streams, 128,000 hectares of lakes, and coastal waters stretching 12 nautical miles offshore.