Investigation Launched Following Major Fish Kill In Co Down

An investigation has been launched following a major fish kill at Carrig River in Newcastle, Co Down.

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) is currently on site investigating the pollution incident after it was reported on Saturday, 08 October.

A spokesperson from Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) said: "NIEA staff immediately went to the scene and, assisted by DAERA Inland Fisheries staff, conducted a detailed investigation. The source was traced to premises where it was discovered that a chemical had escaped into the river causing significant pollution.

"Statutory water samples were collected and evidence gathered with a view to an enforcement action. To date the number of dead fish is in excess of 1,600.

"All relevant authorities have been notified, including local council environmental health as Dundrum Bay is a significant shellfish production area. The investigation is ongoing including measures to clean up the spilled material."

Sinn Féin environment spokesperson Oliver McMullan MLA said: "This latest fish kill caused by a chemical spillage is unacceptable and is another major kill in what has been a disastrous year for our rivers.

"The number of incidents so far this years is above the 150 mark compared to only 100 for last year in total.

"I will be contacting the Agriculture minister who now has responsibility for these incidents to press her for greater enforcement and protection of our rivers.

"Given the damage that such pollution incidents cause to the ecosystem of our waterways, it is crucial that we take all possible steps to eliminate, or in the very least minimise, the occurrence of pollution events."

(CD/JP)