Written answer
Fishing Industry
2494. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the date on which a recent mass mortality event of farmed salmon took place at a location (details supplied); the number of the five licenced sites in Kilkieran Bay which were affected; the number of farmed salmon that died in total at the five farm sites; the reason for the mass mortalities; the way in which the mass mortalities were disposed of; the number of employees that were made redundant as a result of the mortality event; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55236/26]
Comment on this
My Department was notified by an aquaculture operator of an increase in mortalities at its Ardmore site (Ref: T09-203A) at Kilkieran Bay on 1st July 2026. The Marine Institute were also notified as the competent authority under the Fish Health Legislation.
The mortalities were investigated by the farm's Private Veterinary Practitioner and attributed to a range of non-listed health issues. All mortalities are being collected daily and taken to the operator’s land base at Lettermullan. These are then removed from the land base by a licenced contractor and the relevant records are evident on site.
The operator has complied with its obligations under the Animal Health Law by investigating, recording and assessing the event. A Veterinary Inspector from my Department has reviewed the available information and is satisfied that there was no evidence of a listed disease requiring further regulatory action.
The Marine Institute have reviewed the information, verified the relevant details with the operator, and is satisfied that the event has been appropriately investigated and managed. Engineers from my Department have also inspected the site and have found no issues from an engineering perspective.
My Department has received no information regarding any possible redundancies at the site.
As the event is still ongoing, final mortality figures are not yet available but my Department will continue to monitor the situation and engage with the operator as necessary.