There are fears that a washed-up whale will cause a stink at one of Donegal’s best-known local golf courses.
The creature was washed up off Cruit Island in the past couple of days.
The whale, which is up to 10 metres long, is beginning to decompose on the shoreline.
Now there are fears that the rotting remains of the creature will hamper players at Cruit Island Golf Course.
Local county councillor Micheal Mac Giolla Easbuig said Donegal County Council needs to carry out an investigation of the site and decide what needs to be done.
He said “I have no doubt that if this creature is left here it will cause a stench and will become a health hazard.
“I was contacted by golfers and I went down to investigate it for myself.
“I don’t think the remains will be washed back out to sea because it appears to be embedded on the shoreline below the golf course.”
He added the council need to assess the situation and remove the remains as soon as possible.
“I don’t think it can easily be reached by land.
“I feel it may need to be towed away out to sea. This could be a major operation. We can’t just leave it to rot.”
The golf course is one of the most scenic in the North-West and counts singer Daniel O’Donnell among its regular members.
A spokesperson for Donegal County Council said it is looking into the situation.
“Donegal County Council is engaging with relevant parties to assess options for the removal of the washed-up whale,” said a spokesperson.