Authorities in Wexford and Wicklow investigating major oil spill as dead birds found on beaches

The Irish Coast Guard is investigating the source of the spill, while Bird Watch Ireland is reporting that the coastline is likely to see “many more oiled birds in the coming days”.

Bird Watch Ireland and Oiled Wildlife Response Network have been fielding numerous reports of birds beaching themselves in the past 24 hours in an area stretching from Greystones down to Carnsore Point in south Wexford.

It is understood that one live guillemot and three dead birds that appear oiled have been discovered on Curracloe Beach in Wexford in the past 24 hours, where walkers and joggers reported oil or tar on their shoes when leaving the beach yesterday (Wednesday) evening.

A resident in Greystones said she managed to rescue two guillemots from the north beach on Wednesday evening, which she said were both "heavily oiled" and added that at least 12 were struggling on the rocks between the north and south beach. She described their plight as tragic, as the birds are using their beaks to try to purge the oil from their wings, only to end up ingesting the toxins.

Members of the Kildare Wildlife Rescue are combing the north beach area in Greystones this afternoon, aiming to rescue more of the distressed birds.

Despite this, a spokesperson for the Department of Transport said that “at present there is no indication of any pollution in the waters adjacent to the east coast or on the shoreline”. However, they stated that local authorities had been informed and an investigation is under way.

Earlier, a resident in Bray posted on social media that, having walked Bray beach and the harbour area, they noticed "no trace of oil, or on any of the swans" in the Bray harbour swan sanctuary.

In Wexford, numerous local representatives and members of the public contacted the Environment Section of Wexford County Council this morning and they confirmed that they are liaising with the National Parks and Wildlife Service in relation to some kind of oil spill.

The extent of the problem is currently unclear, but all the relevant authorities are currently liaising to try and quickly ascertain its source.

"Wexford County Council has received some reports today of traces of oil washing up on beaches and possible oil deposits on some wildlife on the Wicklow and Wexford coastline,” a statement from the local authority said.

“The Council Environment Staff, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Coastguard and other relevant agencies are actively monitoring the situation. Members of the public are asked to report any sightings of oil deposits on Wexford Beaches or any evidence of traces of oil on Wildlife to customerservice@wexfordcoco.ie or on 053 9196000.”

Labour councillor for Wexford George Lawlor spoke with senior officials at Wexford County Council and was assured they’re doing all they can to react and get to the bottom of the issue.

"The Wexford Coastline is particularly vulnerable to this type of thing,” he said. “We have 100km of soft coastline, which makes us very susceptible to things like this.

"The extent of the issue hasn’t yet been revealed, but this is something that could have a huge environmental impact and also you can only imagine the impact that something like this could have on Wexford’s vital tourism industry as summer season approaches.”

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Similarly, Wicklow Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore was extremely concerned, noting that oiled birds had been spotted on Newcastle Beach, The Murrough, Arklow and Greystones in Wicklow, as well as beaches in Wexford and Dublin.

"I am shocked to learn of this incident, which is being closely monitored by Birdwatch Ireland and the Oiled Wildlife Response Network,” Deputy Whitmore said.

“I want to acknowledge the efforts of Kildare Wildlife Rescue, who are leading the care and rehabilitation of any birds found covered in oil.

“This situation represents an unacceptable threat to our already vulnerable seabird population. The Government must offer every necessary support to the organisations tasked with rescuing, cleaning and rehabilitating the affected birds.

“Ultimately, a coordinated national strategy to respond to incidents of this nature is needed, which should include voluntary organisations as well as State bodies such as the National Parks and Wildlife Service."

Deputy Whitmore is also pushing for the source of the oil spill to be definitively identified.

“It is vital that the source of the oil is identified as soon as possible, with those found responsible held fully accountable," she said.

While the investigation continues, the public is being urged avoid handling any oiled birds that they come across, because the oil may be highly carcinogenic.

Instead, they are asked to report any evidence of oil spill to local authorities and the Coast Guard and report any oiled birds to Kildare Wildlife Rescue.