An inter-agency group investigating the cause of fish deaths in the River Blackwater catchment in County Cork met for the fourth time today as inquiries continue into the incident.

The group, which was established at the direction of the Minister and is coordinated by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), includes representatives from Cork County Council, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Local Authorities Water Programme, National Parks and Wildlife Service, the HSE, the Marine Institute and Uisce Éireann, along with government departments.

Further laboratory results are due this week and will be examined by scientific experts to determine if any factors can be conclusively linked to the mortalities. The group is expected to meet again at the end of the week, after which findings will be published.

IFI said additional surveys are planned in the affected stretch of the river, including drone and kayak monitoring and electrofishing.

Agencies are continuing to engage with local stakeholders as the investigation progresses.