Minister Denis Naughten has confirmed that officials from Inland Fisheries Ireland have supervised the removal of dead fish from the turlough in Castleplunkett, following local concerns over water contamination.
This follows the news that the fish were discovered at the site of the turlough after waters receded.
“I have been in contact with my officials from Inland Fisheries Ireland and they have assured me that they are being proactive on site with Fisheries Officers monitoring the scene,” confirmed Minister Naughten.
“The fish involved appear to be sticklebacks and the Inland Fisheries Officers have supervised removal of the dead fish and disposal at a licenced disposal facility. As the turloughs continue to drain should live fish be encountered on site, Fisheries Officers will return these to their suitable habitat. I have asked to keep updated on the situation” concluded Denis Naughten.
The Castleplunkett area has been badly affected by flooding since December. It resulted in some roads being closed for a time and others having to be raised in order to make them passable again.