Key facts
- Over 20,000 fish died in a fish kill on the River Glyde in Co. Louth.
- The affected area spans approximately 25km of the river.
- The source of the pollution was identified as agricultural discharge.
- The agricultural discharge has been stopped.
- Water samples have been sent for laboratory analysis.
- A file is being prepared for potential prosecution.
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is investigating a serious fish kill on the River Glyde in County Louth, estimating that more than 20,000 fish have died over an approximate 25km stretch of the river. The impacted area extends from Aclint Bridge, County Monaghan, to Lynns Weir, Castlebellingham, County Louth. IFI officers have been conducting sampling and clean-up operations, utilizing kayak, drone, and foot patrols to assess the affected area. The mortalities include various species such as Atlantic salmon, eel, brown trout, pike, minnow, and coarse fish. The source of the pollution has been identified as an agricultural discharge, which has now been stopped. Water samples collected from the river have been sent for laboratory analysis, and IFI is preparing a file for potential prosecution. Louth County Council has been monitoring oxygen levels in the River Glyde and stated that the incident is clearing, with levels returning to normal. They have liaised with Uisce Éireann, which confirmed no issues affecting public water abstraction. The Tallanstown water treatment plant was decommissioned over a year ago, and there are no other public abstraction points in the vicinity. The River Glyde flows into Dundalk Bay at Annagassan, and no impacts on coastal waters or bathing sites have been reported. Louth County Council continues weekly monitoring as per Bathing Water Regulations.