Investigation into large Limerick fish-kill
The Shannon Regional Fisheries Board has confirmed that it is investigating a significant fish-kill in Co Limerick.
More than 500 fish were found dead earlier this week in the River Loobagh at Kilmallock and downstream of the main bridge into the town, according to the board.
The dead fish were mainly trout and juvenile salmon. However, a number of fresh-water crayfish, a protected species, were also found.
A spokesman for the Fisheries Board cited a number of possible reasons for the fish kill including effluent discharges in the area.
"Low water levels, high temperature, heavy plant growth and effluent discharges in the area are all contributory factors," he said.
"The board has taken samples for analysis and investigations are continuing," he added.
Last month, up to 600 fish were found dead in the Plassey Millrace which flows into the river Shannon on the southern bank of the campus of the University of Limerick.
The majority of the fish killed were trout but other types included salmon parr and sea lamprey, both of which are protected species.
The fish kill happened in an area on the grounds of the University of Limerick where considerable development has taken place in recent years, including the construction of several blocks of new student accommodation.
A spokesman for Shannon Regional Fisheries said that a suspected source of the pollution has been identified and action has been taken to prevent this type of thing happening again.
