Animal rescue efforts have taken place in Laois and Dublin following two oil spills in one week.
Kildare Wildlife Rescue was alerted to an incident in the Kilminchy area of Portlaoise on 11 July, where severe oil pollution had affected three connected lakes in a residential area.
The incident impacted a range of wildlife, including a family of swans with four cygnets along with several mallards, moorhens, coots, cormorants and herons.
KWR had an emergency response team bring the swans to safety.
Five days later, another spill was reported to the charity in Kilbogget Park near Cabinteely in South Dublin.
An assessment on 16 July discovered diesel oil on the water, which was emitting strong fumes.
Another family of swans with four cygnets were rescued at the Dublin location; volunteers continue to try to rescue other water birds from the area.
Moorhen chicks were also affected by the spills
KWR Rescue Coordinator Pearse Stokes, who has attended numerous oil spills, said the fumes were among the strongest he had experienced.
“The site at Kilbogget Park had the most intense fumes that I have ever encountered in any oiled wildlife response. This is not just concerning for the wildlife affected, but also a public safety concern for people and their pets walking and exercising in the park.
“This is a beautiful park with rich biodiversity and the impact of the oil will be severe on the wildlife in the area.”
While the swan family from Laois are washed and stable, the charity said the swans in Kilbogget are still undergoing treatment.
An adult female is the most affected and is receiving intensive care from the Village Vets Greyabbey.
A female swan from Kilbogget is receiving intensive care
KWR Manager Dan Donoher said the rehabilitation of oiled birds can be a difficult process.
“The birds need to first be stabilised, warmed and given fluid therapy.
“Washing can never be done on the same day, they need to be strong and pass multiple health checks before the stressful washing process begins.”
He said that both swam families will remain in their care until their territories are clean and safe again.
Both swam families will remain with KWR until their territories are clean and safe again.
KWR currently has over 400 animals in its rehabilitation centre.
While the source of both spills remains unknown, local county councils have begun clean-up operations and opened investigations into a potential cause.
KWR thanked Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and Laois County Council for their support with the rescue efforts.