THE Department of the Marine is still trying to trace the source of the weekend oil spillage off the south county Dublin coast which resulted in the deaths of scores of birds.
Warning notices have been placed on the beaches at Vico, Killiney and Quinn's Point advising the public of the possibility of oil contamination.
In Dun Laoghaire, the western corner of the coal harbour has been cordoned off and plans are being put in place to remove contaminated material.
Onshore inspections yesterday showed no further oil had come ashore and that very little residue was left in affected areas.
The Irish Marine Emergency Service and the local authorities are continuing to monitor the sea and beaches.
The Minister for the Marine, Mr Barrett, who visited the Dalkey and Coliemore areas yesterday, said that whoever was responsible for this "appalling act of vandalism" would be tracked down. "We will pursue the `polluter pays' principle," he said.
Birdwatch Ireland said that up to 100 birds were found to be dying or in distress at Dalkey Island and the Muglins and in the Kilcoole/Greystones area up to another 200 oiled birds had been found by yesterday morning.
In addition, 600 affected birds were reported from the Kish lighthouse on Saturday evening. The pollution had caused serious injuries, particularly to Auk colonies, including birds such as razorbills and guillemots.