The population of fish in a Co Fermanagh river could take many years to recover following pollution which led to the killing of hundreds of aquatic animals.
An investigation into the source of the fish kill in Kesh is underway by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency but a local councillor has said there are indications that the incident was caused by a chemical release into the Kesh River.
The environmental accident has wiped out hundreds of fish – including brown and river trout, juvenile salmon, perch, bream and roach.
There are preliminary indications that the source of the pollution was a chemical release, according to Sinn Fein councillor Siobhan Currie.
Cllr Currie said: “Following up on this major pollution incident with officials from our locally based Water Management Unit today I have been advised that investigations into the potential source and the overall impacts are ongoing.
“However, there are preliminary indications that this destruction of this important ecosystem may have been caused by a chemical release rather than farm effluent.
“This is to be confirmed following testing. It is also likely that the source is within a couple of kilometres downstream of the Glendarragh Bridge in Ederney.
“There should be zero tolerence for anyone who pollutes and destroys our natural world like this. It could take years for the wildlife in and around the Glendarragh/Kesh River to recover.”
SDLP councillor Adam Gannon said: “I am deeply concerned by the major fish kill in Kesh River on Wednesday, it has been described as the worst incident of its type for many years and has caused anxiety in the local area about the cause.
“This incident has seriously depleted the local fish stock and it will take many years to return to its previous level.
“There are also concerns about potential pollution given the murky brown colour of the river.”
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