Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore is to seek answers about the major fish kill in Cork’s Blackwater River when the incident comes under the scrutiny of tomorrow’s Oireachtas Climate Committee.
Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s environment spokesperson, said:
“Today I met with anglers near Mallow, who have many unanswered questions about this devastating incident, which resulted in the unexplained deaths of around 42,000 fish. For a start, we need details about the coordination of the response between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) and Cork County Council to see if it was sufficient.
“It is unacceptable that, almost two months after this major fish kill, there is still no explanation for what caused it. If lessons are to be learnt, we need to know exactly what happened because, as things stand, anglers and the authorities remain in the dark.
“There are questions around the speed of response from relevant agencies, as well as non-compliance with EPA licences that give rise to possible issues around enforcement.
“I believe there is a clear need for a rapid response task force that can immediately go on site and ascertain what testing needs to happen as soon as these environmental disasters occur – and ensure that any crucial evidence is not lost. It also highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring of important river catchments like this one.
“This serious incident has been devastating, not just for the local fish population and wildlife, but also for nearby communities, recreational users and local angling businesses. We also need to know if plans are in place for restoration of the river’s catchment.
“Tomorrow, representatives of the EPA, IFI, Cork County Council and local anglers will appear before the Oireachtas Climate Committee, which will focus specifically on the Blackwater fish kill. I hope it will provide us with an opportunity to secure some answers to the many outstanding questions we have.”
Liam Quaide, the Social Democrats TD for Cork East, added:
“This fish kill was one of the most serious ecological incidents in recent memory, yet we are still waiting for clear answers about how it happened and why the response was so slow.
“There is a huge failure of accountability for this devastating incident, and we have no reason to believe that this may not happen again. The agencies responsible are operating in silos when what is needed is a clear, integrated response to such an event.
“The Blackwater is a lifeline for biodiversity, tourism and local livelihoods. Drastic change is required in the protocols of agencies responsible for its protection, and we need to see higher penalties for polluters than those currently in place.”
September 29, 2025