Warning as toxic fat appears on Southside beach

BEACH users on the Southside have been warned that potentially toxic lumps of congealed fat have washed ashore on some Dublin beaches and coastal areas.

The solid white material can be particularly dangerous to dogs and other small animals.

It is believed that the oil was part of a consignment that came off a ship sometime in the past 18 months.

The issue has already been highlighted by our sister paper Northside People after lumps of the substance appeared on beaches in Skerries.

Deputy Jim O’Callaghan (FF) has warned locals to be extra cautious of the risk.

“I was contacted by a constituent this week who spoke of his dog suddenly taking ill while walking along the strand at Sandymount,” he said.

“He immediately took his pet to the vet where it was discovered he had eaten an ‘oil fatberg’.

“The man’s dog is now thankfully recovering.

“But it is most important to highlight this incident to ensure that no other pet is affected.

“Our picturesque and dog-friendly strand is popular among all in the community and many use it on a daily basis,” Deputy O’Callaghan added.

Deputy O’Callaghan said he had contacted the local authority and Irish Water to request that warning signs are erected along the strand as a precaution to all beach users.

“I have also asked for details on what measures are being undertaken to avoid further water pollution in the area,” he added. “I will also be raising this matter in the Oireachtas and asking residents to keep in touch with any incident or information on the issue.”