Bank of Ireland has issued a public apology following a major oil spill at Kilbogget Park in south Dublin that forced the emergency rescue of six swans and threatens one of the area’s key biodiversity sites.
Wildlife rescuers described the incident as one of the worst oil pollution cases they have encountered, with toxic fumes posing risks to both animals and humans. Four cygnets and two adult swans were removed from the contaminated park near Cabinteely on Wednesday by Kildare Wildlife Rescue.
Pearse Stokes, the charity’s rescue coordinator, said the spill produced “the worst fumes I have encountered” in 12 years of wildlife response work. The park, which he called a “jewel in the crown” for south Dublin biodiversity, had been home to rare wild otters and diverse species now at risk.
Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has deployed pollution control equipment and advised dog walkers to keep pets on leads while cleanup efforts continue. Council staff will monitor the site over the weekend as the strong diesel smell persists.
Local councillor Dave O’Keeffe warned that remediation costs could reach tens of thousands of euros and insisted the bank, not taxpayers, should bear the expense. “An apology is fine but this is going to cost tens of thousands, if not more, to rectify,” he said.
The rescued swans remain in care and cannot be released until the contamination is fully cleared. Wildlife experts warn the birds face additional stress from prolonged captivity, but releasing them too early risks re-exposure to toxic substances.
This marks the second major oil spill response for Kildare Wildlife Rescue this week, following a similar incident at Kilminchy Park in Portlaoise last weekend. The charity noted that hot weather compounds rescue difficulties, as oil evaporation creates hazardous fumes requiring protective equipment for responders.