Diesel has been leaking into the River Liffey from an underground pipe connection linked to an Irish Rail fuel storage facility near Dublin’s Samuel Beckett Bridge, it has emerged. The leak, which authorities say may have been ongoing for more than a year, was first discovered in March 2025 and has sparked an extensive environmental response operation involving Irish Rail, Dublin City Council and Dublin Port.
The underground pipe forms part of a fuel farm operated by Irish Rail and used to store diesel for trains servicing Connolly Station. While the exact quantity of diesel that entered the river remains unknown, officials confirmed that fuel had likely been leaking for several weeks before the issue was detected.
Dublin Port was first alerted to the pollution and immediately launched emergency oil spill procedures. According to a spokesperson, absorbent materials and floating oil booms were deployed in an effort to contain the spill and prevent it from spreading further along the river. Subsequent investigations by Dublin City Council identified the source of the contamination within a network of culverts connected to the underground pipe system.
More than 14 months after the problem was first identified, work to fully repair the leak remains ongoing. Irish Rail confirmed that containment measures are currently in place and said these have successfully prevented diesel from spreading beyond the immediate area where the overflow pipe discharges into the Liffey near the Samuel Beckett Bridge. A specialised environmental contractor has also been hired to oversee remediation and recovery works at the site.
A visible floating barrier remains positioned on the river close to the bridge in an effort to contain traces of diesel and minimise environmental damage. Diesel contamination can pose serious risks to aquatic ecosystems, as the substance is considered highly toxic to fish and other wildlife. The River Liffey supports a range of aquatic species, including perch and roach, many of which inhabit stretches of the river through Dublin city centre.
Dublin City Council said it continues to oversee the response operation and is working closely with all relevant agencies to monitor the situation. Dublin Port also confirmed that it remains in regular contact with Irish Rail and local authorities to support ongoing containment efforts and help protect the River Liffey from further pollution.
