Swans killed in collisions with Dublin’s Samuel Beckett Bridge

At least 17 swans have died after colliding with the Samuel Beckett Bridge in Dublin, Kildare Wildlife Rescue has warned.

The bridge, opened in 2009 and noted for its harp‑shaped design, is praised for its architecture but has become a hazard for birds, according to Wildlife First Responder Andrea Porter.

Porter explained that the bridge’s diagonal cables are difficult for swans to see because their eyes are positioned on the sides of their heads, leading them to fly straight into the cables. She said the impact is “fairly catastrophic” given the size of swans, which can weigh up to 15 kg and travel at speeds of around 88 km per hour.

Kildare Wildlife Rescue believes the actual number of bird deaths is higher, as many incidents go unreported. The majority of the swan collisions have occurred around high tide, when reduced clearance under the bridge may force birds to fly higher.

Porter called for detailed data on tide times, light conditions and flight paths to help engineers assess possible modifications that could reduce future fatalities.

Source: Newstalk. Photo: Daniel Wells / Pexels.