Kildare experts to the rescue as oil spill hits swans and ducks

A mystery oil spill in a lake in a Laois town has forced the emergency rescue of wild birds and chicks in danger of death as they become coated in oil.

Experts from Kildare Wildlife Rescue were called to the scene. 

The spill was discovered in the middle of three lakes in the large Kilminchy housing estate, Portlaoise by resident John Cowhig on Thursday evening, July 10.

“It is causing serious harm. I reported it to the council but there is effectively no emergency response. I didn't see anyone there until Friday. If it rains it might get into the third lake, which is a disaster already. It's covered in algae, I believe from sewage leaks,” he said.

“I am frustrated at the lack of action. This lake has been polluted so many times in the past and there's nothing done to prevent it,” the concerned resident claimed.

A chick with oil on its feathers at Kilminchy lake. Photo: Kildare Wildlife Rescue

He estimates that more than 100 wild birds have been oil damaged this time.

“The chicks cannot fly out of the water yet so they are worst affected,” he said.

“The fire brigade did install booms to catch the oil and did as much as they can do but the horse has already bolted. I have been making complaints to Laois County Council since May about the same location,” Mr Cowhig said.

Volunteers from Kildare Wildlife Rescue (KWR) came to the scene on Saturday morning. So far they have rescued a family of two swans and four cygnets, and a mallard duck, taking them to their centre for expert care.

A young swan being examined after rescue.

“We will be back on Tuesday, there are still many ducks, moorehens, coots, a heron and cormorants oiled. As they get weaker they are easier to catch. They try to preen their feathers and then they ingest the oil. It could kill them,” Jana Stefanova, a director of KWR told the Leinster Express.

She appeals to the public not to enter the lake to try catch the birds, and also to keep dogs leashed, because they might scare weakened exhausted birds back into the polluted lake.

“It is very upsetting,” she admitted.

The rescue group, which relies on public donations are concerned for residents too.

“Public safety is also a concern, as these lakes are surrounded by homes and families.

“We would like to thank all residents for their reports and would like to ask all members of the public to stay away from the lakes and the affected wildlife,” they say.

The third lake in Kilminchy. Photo: John Cowhig

Laois County Council gave a statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live on Monday, July 14.

“Following receipt of a complaint on 10th July regarding an oil spill/ pollution incident at Kilminchy Lake, our Environmental staff attended at the site on 11th July and engaged the support of Portlaoise Fire Station.

“The crew responded at 2pm with the pollution control trailer, which contains equipment to manage oil spills & pollution.

“Initially a drone was used to determine the extent of the spill & following the assessment, the crew deployed oil booms at the edge of the lake and oil absorbing pads on the surface.

Read also: Yellow thunderstorm warning for Laois

“The site was monitored by staff from both Fire Services and the Environment Section over the weekend and again today (Monday) to assess the effectiveness of the pollution control measures,” they said.

The source of the oil is not yet known.

“Investigations are still underway to ascertain the cause of the incident,” a council environment spokesperson said.