Over 200 people attended the inaugural Friends of the Blackwater public meeting in Mallow, highlighting the strong community interest in the health and future of the River Blackwater. The meeting took place recently at the Hibernian Hotel and drew a wide range of attendees, including river users, local residents, farmers, anglers, and elected officials from across the river’s catchment area.
The meeting followed a large fish kill in August, which resulted in the loss of over 40,000 brown trout and salmon. An inter-agency investigation by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), The Marine Institute, and Cork County Council found no direct evidence linking the incident to identifiable pollution, either from a waterborne irritant or environmental exposure.
The Friends of the Blackwater initiative, set up in response to the tragedy, aims to provide a community platform to share information, raise awareness of water quality issues, and take action to restore, protect, and enhance the river. The January 28 meeting, hosted by the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO), explored options to establish a catchment management group to oversee these efforts. Representatives from LAWPRO and Cork County Council were on hand to provide information, share data, and outline practical steps for long-term stewardship of the river.
Attendees had the opportunity to discuss local experiences, contribute knowledge, and participate in the planning of future subcommittees. These groups will focus on specific areas of the catchment to ensure ongoing monitoring and action. The meeting marked a key step in fostering collaboration between community members, environmental authorities, and local stakeholders, aiming to safeguard the river for both wildlife and the wider community.
A second meeting is planned in the coming weeks to progress the establishment of these subcommittees, with the goal of creating a structured, community-led approach to river management. The event underscored the importance of local involvement in protecting the River Blackwater and demonstrated the widespread support for initiatives that promote its restoration and long-term sustainability.