Landowners questioned after 33 swans found dead

Two Donegal landowners have been interviewed regarding possible water pollution and illegal waste disposal at a lake where 33 swans were found dead in the past week.

A spokesman for the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) confirmed that one landowner has been cautioned as investigations continue to establish the cause of death of the birds at New Lake, Dunfanaghy.

Early reports suggest the birds died as a result of poisoning caused by a pollutant in the water.

However, a spokesperson for the department said it was too early to say what caused the multiple deaths.

“Staff of the Department of Arts, Heritage, and Gaeltacht, are currently liaising with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food along with Donegal County Council and have sent samples to the regional veterinary laboratories in Sligo to establish definitively the cause of death. It is important to note that there are strict protocols in place with regard to the collection of samples in these cases, which include the wearing of standard protective clothing as a precautionary measure.”

New Lake is a frequent stopover for hundreds of migrating geese every day and the discovery has shocked locals and wildlife experts alike.

Although bird flu has not been diagnosed, people who find dead swans are advised not to touch them as a precautionary measure.

“The NPWS is investigating alleged breaches of EU regulations concerning damage to a protected site and cross compliance,” said a spokesman for the service.

“The Department of Agriculture vets in Sligo are examining the bodies of the swans while Donegal County Council’s water and waste management section are investigating water pollution and illegal waste disposal.

“Two landowners have been interviewed. One has been cautioned. There is visual evidence that the contents of septic tanks were emptied within the flood zone in three different areas of the lake. This shall be cleaned by a licensed operator in the next few days.

“We are still waiting the outcome from the lab in Sligo. Results are expected early this week.”

Mark Byrne, NPWS ranger, spent last weekend on the lake recovering the bodies of dead swans.