Tipperary Council conducts inspections of facilities in area around King's River fish kill

Inland Fisheries Ireland is continuing to investigate a significant fish kill in the King’s River near Ballingarry that resulted in the death of up to 500 trout and salmon parr.

The pollution incident occurred on the upper reaches of the river, which is a major tributary of the River Nore, and was discovered on Monday, April 15.

Inland Fisheries Ireland said fish mortalities were observed for approximately 4km downstream to where the King’s and Crohane rivers meet.

The agency said it first became aware of the incident on April 15 following reports from members of the public to its confidential phone line.

“IFI Fisheries Environmental Officers are monitoring and assessing the water quality in the river to try to establish a conclusive source for this pollution event.”

An IFI spokesman said the incident was an “acute” but “short” pollution event and the river will regenerate swiftly by natural processes.

He said IFI will initiate a prosecution in relation to this fish kill, if or when, it can successfully accumulate compelling and robust evidence that can pinpoint the source of the pollution

Tipperary County Council, meanwhile, said it performed an inspection of the area after receiving the report of the fish kill and further inspections of facilities in the vicinity of the incident are ongoing to assess the nature and extent of any further risk to water quality presented by the activities at these facilities.

The Council said Inland Fisheries Ireland is in charge of the investigation and has also assumed the clean up role to date.

“Tipperary County Council will  continue to work closely with IFI  in an effort to fully resolve the issue  and mitigate any further risk to water quality in the area,” the Council added.