A clean-up operation is underway in Oughterard in County Galway following an oil spill earlier this morning.
Several units of the fire service and a team from Inland Fisheries Ireland have been attending the scene near the Owenriff River.
A protective boom has been placed around the area to help contain the spill.
Inspector Sean Coady confirmed that the leak came from a tank in a former nursing home in the town.
It is not yet clear how much oil has seeped into the ground and river but the empty tank can hold up to 1,000 litres.
"We have brought in a contractor to dig the contaminated soil before a full excavation of the site takes place. A spill of this nature is always of concern in a protected location under the habitats directive. It can be detrimental to the local species along the river banks," said Mr Coady.
The river is a highly regarded destination for sea trout and salmon fishing and local anglers say they are very concerned about the impact of the oil leak.
Michael Faherty is chairman of the Oughterard Angling and Boatmen's Association.
"The Owenriff River flows into Lough Corrib here in Oughterard and is in a Special Area of Conservation. This is a very worrying development.
"We already have issues with various types of pollution in the Owenriff including the ongoing risk to the highly endangered pearl mussel. We will lose this species if action isn't taken on this river.
"Now this oil spill is another major headache," said Mr Faherty.
All of the contaminated soil will be dug up and treated before a full excavation of the area is carried out.
