A specialist company was called in to undertake a clean up of oil from a lake in a Portlaoise housing estate recently.
The detection of oil, and the imminent threat to wildlife, prompted swift action by Laois County Council.
“I was approached by the residents from the area,” Cllr Noel Tuohy said. “In fairness to the council they responded quickly and got in local company, Enva, who were able to put booms in to soak up the oil,” he said.
The booms act as floating physical barriers to the oil.
Condemning the incident, Cllr Tuohy said he believed the oil must have been dumped into the lake.
Amenity
“It’s not fair on the residents who are doing their best to keep the lake as an amenity for the area,” he said.
He said the residents’ association for Kilminchy and Colliers Lane have done a lot of work in the area.
“It’s just a lovely little place with swans and ducks… Everyone know that kids love to come and feed the ducks… It’s a lovely area for them,” he said.
The oil spill was detected in recent days and booms remained in place up to Thursday, to allow for the remains of the oil to be removed.
SEE ALSO – Laois businesses set to have input on commercial rates
