Around 50 fish have washed up dead on the banks of Armagh’s Folly River, with concerns mounting over suspected deliberate pollution of the waterway.
A member of the public – who wishes to remain anonymous – contacted Armagh I after finding the fish floating in almost every nook and cranny of the river running from near Redrock to Armagh city centre.
The man said he suspected oil may have been dumped in the river on Friday (October 30) after noticing a “stinking” chemical smell.
He contacted Northern Ireland Environmental Agency (NIEA) on Friday to raise the alarm and asked if they would contact him back if they intended to visit the site so that he could show officials where he suspected the issue to have occurred.
A photo provided by the resident showing ‘white foam’ floating atop the water
However, he says he did not receive a call.
He called again on Tuesday (November 3) to request additional information and says he was advised the issue was “under investigation”.
He then noticed NIEA officials parked on the Newry Road, where the river runs.
On his walk along the waterway, the man says he has found some 50 fish dead.
“It’s a disgrace,” he said. “So much work has gone on over the years to reintroduce wildlife to the river. We had otters back and kingfishers.”
He describes the water as emanating a “strong smell” of oil and showing evidence of a “white foam”.
Armagh I have contacted NIEA for comment.
In the interim, those keeping animals or livestock with access to the waterway between Redrock and Armagh city would be advised to restrict access in the interests of their health and safety.
