An investigation by Wexford County Council into reports of "traces of oil" washing up on beaches in the county and neighbouring Wicklow has begun, and it is also looking into possible oil deposits on some marine wildlife along these coasts.
According to BirdWatch Ireland, (facebook) oiled seabirds are being reported along the coasts of the two counties which line parts of the Leinster seaboard.
As to the source of any oil spill, this has not yet been established, however inquiries are under way to identify the incident. Asides the Wicklow County Council’s environment staff, the National Parks and Wildlife Service in addition the Irish Coast Guard are actively monitoring the situation, it said.
On the Birdwatch Ireland (website), which is a member of the Oiled Wildlife Response Network (OWRN) who are actively monitoring the situation and have contacted the Irish Coast Guard.
In addition, Birdwatch Ireland (facebook, etc) is asking anyone with more information to contact the Coast Guard with any details including any evidence of oil deposits found on local beaches or on wildlife to also contact the Coast Guard and the local council.
"Unfortunately, we expect more oiled birds will be found in the coming days," BirdWatch Ireland said.
For more RTE News has on the oil spill incident, in addition to those involved in the response also includes the Kildare Wildlife Rescue (KWR), with details on how to assist.
For further information the OWRN facebook page which outines amongst it updates on what to do noting: Do not be tempted to lift oiled birds but instead take a location on WhatsApp and send it to KWR with a video if possible. Oiled seabirds require very specific care and taking birds home will only cause further suffering. Contact should be made by emailing: info@kwr.ie
