Swan bridge strikes causing 'catastrophic' injuries

Swans striking Samuel Beckett Bridge causing 'catastrophic' injuries - charity

Updated / Friday, 23 Oct 2026 14:20

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At least 17 swans have been killed after striking Dublin's Samuel Beckett Bridge since 2024, an animal wildlife charity has said.

Kildare Wildlife Rescue said eight swans were killed after hitting the cables of the bridge this year, with three last year and eight in 2024.

Its Wildlife First Responder Andrea Porter said the incidents were reported to the charity by members of the public and the birds suffered "catastrophic" injuries, with any rescued from the bridge having to be euthanised.

She said the swans usually hit their shoulder off the cables as they try to fly through them.

Ms Porter said their eyes are on the side of their head, which means they can find it difficult to see the cables, which run diagonally across the 120m bridge.

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Warning: distressing images

Swan injured after striking Samuel Beckett Bridge

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She said "incidents tend to happen during high tide", as the swans do not have enough room to fly under the bridge as the Liffey swells.

The birds killed span "a range of ages".

Ms Porter added that the number of swans killed could be higher as the charity is informed of injured birds and ones that are killed may fall into the Liffey or be disposed of.

She also said there are around 30 to 140 swans down river in the Ringsend area depending on the time of year.

She said there is a "public health" issue to the incidents as these are "big birds flying at speed, and can fall onto cars on the bridge or into the Liffey".

Ms Porter suggested that a study to be conducted into the incidents and see what measures can be put in place to mitigate strikes, including high-contrast treatments.

Samuel Beckett Bridge opened to the public in 2009 and is designed in the shape of a harp.