Call comes amid the death of 8,000 to 10,000 fish die in the River Blackwater
Fianna Fáil TD for Cork North Central, Pádraig O’Sullivan has called for a compensation scheme to be introduced for anglers in Cork who have been affected by the mass killing of fish in the River Blackwater.
According to the Inlands Fisheries Ireland approximately between 8,000 and 10,000 fish have died in the river in almost two weeks.
Deputy O’Sullivan has said anglers have been left devastated by the impacts of the death of the fish, with their clubs taking a big impact.
“I have spoken to anglers in my own constituency, and the impact on their clubs because of this catastrophe is devastating for them,” he said. “Angler clubs attract a lot of anglers from our neighboring friends in the EU, the States, and beyond. At the moment, they cannot offer them the chance to fish in the river, and that is hard for them to make up.
That is why Deputy O’Sullivan is calling for a compensation scheme to be put in place to help the clubs, as they will find it difficult to calculate their losses, with some clubs having to contact people to explain that they are closed.
“Clubs are now contacting anglers that would usually visit them to let them know that they are closed for the foreseeable future. While they wait on the results as to what the issue is in the river, I believe a compensation scheme must be set up for anglers.
He added: “It is critical that we support them during these trying times. Anglers have paid for their fish licenses, some pay for tickets to join the clubs, and they are losing out on their money.
We must offer them financial stability as the clubs invest a lot in stocking, habitat management and maintaining access to water. This fish kill has devastating impacts on them.
“Local angler clubs are a part of our local economy, and I believe we should show recognition to the role they play in that by reimbursing them for their losses.
O’Sullivan went on to say he will work with Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries, and the Marine, Timmy Dooley, and Minister Martin Heydon to engage on this matter.
“I will engage with my party colleague Minister Timmy Dooley, and my colleague Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon, to ensure anglers get the support they need after this devastating event along the River Blackwater,” he concluded.
ENDS