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Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is investigating a “large” fish kill which occurred in the River Owenass and a minor tributary of the Owenass near Mountmellick, Co Laois.
Although the investigation is still ongoing, the IFI said that “it would appear at this early stage that silage effluent was the potential cause of the mortality”.
The fish kill was reported by a member of a the public on Saturday 22 June.
Brown trout
A number of fish species are thought to have been killed in the incident, with brown trout being primarily affected.
The quality of water in rivers has been highlighted as a key issue for the renewal of Ireland’s nitrates derogation, which allows farmers to be stocked at a higher level.
IFI said that a confidential hotline was available to report water pollution, fish kills and illegal fishing, which could be reached by calling 1890 34 74 24 or 1890 FISH 24.
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