Councillor Dave O’Keeffe has confirmed that an alarming oil leak affecting wildlife and vegetation in Kilbogget Park in South County Dublin has been traced directly to the local Bank of Ireland branch. The clean-up operation is estimated to run into at least tens of thousands of euro, and Cllr O’Keeffe is demanding full accountability—and more.
Cllr O’Keeffe also praised the swift and selfless response of Kildare Wildlife Rescue and council staff, who were quickly on the scene. “Their dedication made all the difference. Thanks to their fast action, the swans were rescued and the worst of the spread was contained. Without them, the damage could have been far greater. These frontline workers and volunteers deserve our full gratitude and support.”
“We had something special in Kilbogget Park, a thriving natural ecosystem in the heart of the suburbs. This oil spill threatens to wipe that out.” said Cllr O’Keeffe. “We're talking about real damage, habitats poisoned, birds and insects put at risk, and the natural balance of the park thrown into chaos. The full cost of this clean-up must be paid by Bank of Ireland, not by the council and certainly not by local people.”
He continued, “Moreover, the bank must commit to a biodiversity fund, to be administered by Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council. It must support long-term restoration and enrichment of this park, transforming this crisis into a chance to renew and rebuild. We expect them to back any clean‑up cost and go beyond.
Cllr O’Keeffe has written to Bank of Ireland outlining the following demands:
- Immediate coverage of all clean up costs associated with the spill.
- A dedicated biodiversity fund ring‑fenced for restoring and improving the biodiversity of the park.
“This was a preventable incident,” he emphasised. “A simple mechanical failure at Bank of Ireland has now spilled diesel oil into a habitat where otters, birds, insects and plants flourished. That cost may yet prove to be much more than repair money, it could be irreparable loss.
"We’re calling on Bank of Ireland to step up: pay, restore, and prove that 'helping you thrive' isn't just an empty slogan”