Water users at parts of the River Suir are being urged to take precautions after confirmation of an outbreak of Crayfish Plague on a stretch of the river downstream of Clonmel to Carrick-on-Suir.

It comes after large numbers of dead freshwater crayfish were reported on the river earlier this month. DNA analysis has now confirmed that the cause of death was Crayfish Plague.

The kill has only impacted White-Clawed Crayfish and other freshwater animals are not affected. The characteristic feature of the disease is that it only infects species of crayfish but has a 100% mortality rate.

All agencies including the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Inland Fisheries Ireland and Tipperary County Council will be working to contain the outbreak to this stretch of the River Suir.

Anyone using the river is being urged to observe the ‘Check, Clean and Dry’ protocol once they leave the river and before using it again. This means that all wet gear (boats, clothing and equipment) should be checked for any silt or mud, plant material or animals before being cleaned and finally dried, to eliminate any chance of the disease.

Fianna Fail's Niall Collins has told Tipperary Mid West Radio that his party remains committed to upholding the confidence and supply agreement with Fine Gael.

Speaking after Enda Kenny yesterday announced his decision to step down as FG leader, Deputy Collins said that as a party, FF remains committed to what is contained within that agreement, which he notes was drawn up between parties and not individuals.

His remarks also came in the wake of comments made by party colleague Willie O’Dea yesterday when he suggested that his party review the agreement before agreeing to facilitate the election of a new FG Taoiseach.