Fianna Fáil TD for Louth, Erin McGreehan, has received an encouraging update from Inland Fisheries Ireland on the recovery of the River Glyde following the devastating fish kill earlier this year, with large numbers of adult salmon observed returning to the river.
Deputy McGreehan sought an update from Inland Fisheries Ireland on the clean-up and recovery of the river, as well as the progress of its investigation into the incident.
In correspondence received by Deputy McGreehan, IFI confirmed that its fishery officers carried out operations to remove accumulations of dead fish following the incident, while subsequent rainfall helped to flush remaining pollution from the river.
Importantly, IFI has reported that fishery officers observed large numbers of adult salmon in the river near Castlebellingham in July.
Deputy McGreehan said the update represents an encouraging sign for the recovery of the river following the significant environmental damage caused by the fish kill.
“This is a very welcome and encouraging update following what was a devastating incident for the River Glyde and for the local anglers and communities who care deeply about it.
“The sight of large numbers of adult salmon returning to the river near Castlebellingham is particularly positive. When Minister Timmy Dooley and I visited the river following the fish kill, there was understandably enormous concern about the long-term impact on fish stocks and the wider health of the river.
“IFI advised at the time that recovery from a fish kill can begin relatively quickly once the source of pollution has been stopped. We are now beginning to see some encouraging evidence of that recovery.”
IFI has advised Deputy McGreehan that the return of adult salmon should help to repopulate the river, with fry expected this coming winter and populations of parr and smolts expected to develop over the following one to two years.
IFI has confirmed that it is currently preparing a prosecution case file and has advised that such prosecutions can take between six and twelve months to reach a conclusion.
Deputy McGreehan concluded:
“The immediate signs of recovery are very welcome, but our focus must remain on protecting the River Glyde for the long term and ensuring that an incident of this scale does not happen again.”
For further information, reach out to Erin McGreehan.
ENDS
Pictured: L-R Erin McGreehan TD, Minister Timmy Dooley, Cllr John Sheridan at the River Glyde
