Fish kill in popular Laois lake under investigation by Office of Public Works
Large number of fish found dead on the dried out lake in Emo Court, Laois
A number of fish have been found dead in Emo Court lake in Laois, most likely due to the partially dried out condition of the lake.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) which cares for the publicly owned mansion and gardens, is to carry out an investigation into any other possible causes.
A reader alerted the Leinster Express - Laois Live to distressing numbers of dead fish on the dried out bottom of the manmade lake at Emo Court, one of the most popular visitor attractions in Laois.
The reader sent photographs which show a gathering of fish in one spot of the dried lake bed.
“Very sad to see the fish dying as the lake dries out at Emo Court,” the reader noted.
The lake is fed by a local stream, and is usually teeming with wildlife including fish, swans and ducks, a favourite destination for locals and tourists.
A spokesperson for the OPW has now confirmed the fish deaths, and says that they are not ruling out other causes.
“A number of dead fish were observed in the lake area at Emo Court on Tuesday of this week.
“The water level in the lake is currently very low, which is not unexpected following the prolonged summer drought this year.
They are carrying out an investigation.
“While the low water level is the most likely cause of the incident, the OPW is investigating the matter fully, in consultation with relevant experts,” the OPW said.
They are pumping water into the lake to avoid further deaths.
“Options to enable the water level of the lake to be maintained sustainably will continue to be investigated by the OPW and actioned as appropriate.
“In the meantime, arrangements are in place to maintain the current water level by pumping ground water, sourced from within the site, into the lake.”