Local partnership calls for Tolka vigilance

THE Tolka Area Partnership is calling for continuing vigilance and an on-going programme to maintain and improve the Tolka River following last month’s fish kill.

Thousands of fish were killed in the river by a mystery pollutant that came in the form of a white, detergent-like foamy substance on Monday, July 21.

The river flows through the heart of the area covered by Tolka Area Partnership.

“Tolka Area Partnership deplores the recent fish kill on a section of the Tolka River,

? a spokesperson said.

“The river is the principal environmental feature of the area and enhances community recreation, health and well-being. In previous years it was neglected and allowed to deteriorate with serious consequences for loss of biodiversity and quality of life.

?

The Partnership said it very much appreciates the work of Dublin City Council, Inland Fisheries Ireland, local Angling Clubs and others that have

“enabled the river to burst forth anew with aquatic life in recent years

?.

“We welcomed the news that, following this incident, Dublin City Council and Inland Fisheries Ireland immediately responded and began a full investigation to establish the source and cause of the fish kill,

? the spokesperson continued.

“We hope that their investigation is successfully completed as quickly as possible and that all necessary follow up actions are taken including putting measures in place to ensure, as far as possible, that similar incidents cannot occur in the future.

?

The Partnership said it hoped the Northside People’s report on July 30 stating that the river would

“bounce back sooner rather than later

? from this serious incident would prove to be the case.

“But it should not detract from the need for continuing vigilance and an on-going programme to maintain and improve the river and the Tolka Valley,

? the spokesperson added.

“It is our intention to work together with the local fishing clubs, Dublin City Council, Inland Fisheries Ireland and local industry to see if we can assist in any way, particularly in relation to replenishing the diminished fish stock.

?