Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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133. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government to urgently investigate the source of the pollution that caused the death of tens of thousands of fish in the River Blackwater and some of its tributaries, i.e. a toxic chemical spill or as a result of something else, as this wipeout will have a devastating impact on our tourism Industry; and to ensure that the cause is identified and never repeated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45908/25]

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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159. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the status of the investigation into the mass fish mortality on the River Blackwater in north Cork; the preliminary Marine Institute test results; the suspected pollutant class; the affected river length; the estimated mortality; and if a compensation scheme for angling clubs and river stewardship groups is being prepared. [46129/25]

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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169. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the immediate investigatory and remediation measures that are being deployed in response to the largest-ever fish kill in the River Blackwater; and the means by which affected communities and ecosystems will be supported. [46396/25]

Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 133, 159 and 169 together.

An Inter-Agency Group has been established by me to collaborate on the investigation into the cause of the fish mortality on the River Blackwater. This group is being coordinated by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) and includes the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Marine Institute, Cork County Council, the Local Authorities Water Programme, Uisce Éireann, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Health Services Executive.

I am in regular contact with IFI and other agencies, as well as with local councillors and public representatives. I visited the site on two occasions, where I chaired a well-attended town hall meeting between agencies and stakeholders, principally anglers and their representatives. Department officials are also working closely with IFI and play a central role in coordinating public updates and press releases and will continue to provide updated data and information as it becomes available.

Technical reports from the Marine Institute and the EPA in relation to lab tests, virology reports and site visits have been published on IFI’s website at www.fisheriesireland.ie/publications. While investigations are ongoing to establish the cause, results of sampling by the Marine Institute suggests possible exposure to some form of environmental insult or water borne irritant. IFI remain on site and ongoing inspections and monitoring is being carried out by the relevant agencies.

Affected fish were observed in the River Blackwater circa 6km downstream of Mallow, and up to 12km upstream of Mallow. They were also seen at the Awbeg river, and the Clyda river, which joins the Blackwater west of Mallow. While it is estimated that up to 10,000 fish have died in this incident, it is too early to tell what follow-up actions may be required at this point. The priority at the moment is to determine the cause as quickly as possible, while ensuring the investigation is not only thorough and evidence-based but also transparent and responsive to local concerns.

I will continue to oversee the work of the Inter-Agency Group, convening further meetings as required and ensuring that affected communities and stakeholders remain fully informed. Once the investigation is completed, a report will issue on the findings.