INLAND Fisheries Ireland (IFI) alongside the local authorities in Limerick and Tipperary are currently investigating a major fish kill that occurred on the Drumcamogue River, a tributary of the Camogue River near Knocklong, on Monday.
Some 4,300 fish, mainly trout and salmon, are expected to have been killed along a three-kilometre stretch of prime nursery area between Ballycahill bridge and Knocklong.
It is understood that the fish kill was caused by a slurry spill from a nearby farm, however the source has not yet been confirmed.
Limerick City and County Council has reassured members of the public that there is no danger to the public water supply.
Amanda Mooney, director for the Shannon River Basin District, said: “This is a heavy blow to the river especially with most of this year’s juveniles wiped out in a prime nursery area. I am asking the public to report any suspected discharge into any river to the IFI 24-hour confidential hotline 1890 34 74 24.
“At this time of year with lower water levels, rivers and streams can come under significant pressure due to runoff from silage making and slurry spreading. Farmers and contractors are advised to be particularly vigilant”.
