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Whale washed up on Dublin beach is buried

Whale washed up on Dublin beach is buried

A whale that was spotted swimming in the Liffey last week has been buried.

The 25 foot long mammal later washed up on Dollymount Strand on Sunday after its remains were seen floating in the water.

The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group has said that the fin whale has since been buried in the sand at the beach.

The group has called on the Government to help develop a Large Whale Stranding Response Protocol.

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Dr Simon Berrow CEO of the IWDG said: “Strandings, both live and dead, of large whales are not common in Ireland but do occur and we need a protocol, signed off by relevant partners, including government agencies, so we can respond quickly and efficiently in such cases without having to phone around looking for resources and support.”

The secretary of the Irish Whale and Dophin Group (IWDG), Conal O'Flanagan, told the Independent: "This is the proper way to deal with the remains.

"For one thing, it is very smelly. But it can also pose a risk to the public, who can pick up diseases.

"It's not advisable to touch a dead whale."

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