IFI statement re fish kill at Ballinagh River, Cavan
- 1,000+ dead fish recorded, including many brown trout
Inland Fisheries Ireland(IFI) is investigating a significant fish kill in Co. Cavan, with more than 1,000 fish mortalities recorded at Ballinagh River.
IFI environmental and fisheries staff have identified deceased brown trout, stickleback, minnow and roach along a 1km stretch of the river.
Water samples have been taken from the scene, and IFI is following a definite line of enquiry into the suspected source of the pollution.
Dead brown trout and roach at Ballinagh River
Dr Milton Matthews, Director of IFI’s North-Western River Basin District, commented: "High temperatures and low-flow conditions do not appear to be the primary cause of this incident.
"The needless loss of so many young fish, at a time when Ireland’s natural environment is already under considerable pressure, is deeply disappointing."
A small dead brown trout
IFI will continue to actively examine the cause of this harmful ecological event at the river.
Inland Fisheries Ireland was alerted to a contamination impact in the water by a member of the public last evening, Sunday July 13th, 2025.
IFI continues to appeal to people to report instances of fish kills or suspected water pollution to its 24-hour confidential phoneline, 0818 34 74 24.
Mixed species, including juvenile trout, floating at the site.
IFI officers separately responded to a fish kill in Co. Cork last week in which at least 1,500 fish died.
It occurred on Ballybrack stream, a small tributary of the Douglas River flowing near Douglas village, in Cork.
The dead fish were primarily brown trout, and European eels.
