A 20,000-litre oil spillage into the River Liffey could pose a serious environmental threat if an clean-up operation is not successful, Dublin Corporation warned today.
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A spokesman for the Corporation said calm water this afternoon would help the clean-up operation. He added the volume of oil involved meant it could cause a major environment problem.
The light fuel oil seeped into the River Liffey after an oil tanker and a lorry collided this morning near Chapelizod Bridge. The spillage caused traffic chaos as the N4 was reduced to two lanes on the Lucan Road.
The Corporation, Dublin Port & Docks and Department of the Marine began a clean-up operation on the River Liffey at mid-day. Barriers have been placed across the river to trap the oil so that it can be pumped out of the river.
The spokesman said all the swans have been removed and they are working to remove the ducks and other birdlife. He said only two ducks have been found with oil on them so far and no dead fish have been reported.
"The next few hours are critical and the safety of the fish depends on the tide and their movement," he said.
For commuters, the N4 has been reopened and the traffic has returned to normal, AA Roadwatch said this afternoon.