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The study, by the National Centre for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colorado, found that the Gulf Stream could carry oil from the Louisiana coast far into the eastern Atlantic ocean.
Based on computer animation, the study shows how the oil could be carried in the upper 65ft of the ocean, taking into account weather and currents.
If the oil spill is contained by the end of August, the impact on Ireland will be negligible, said NCAR oceanographer Synte Peacock. But if it continues, no-one knows what the impact will be, she said.
According to the above video, in 2 weeks' time the oil will rapidly begin to spread up the east coast of Florida and then further up the coast from that. The very populated regions (e.g. New York) will certainly get an up-close and personal look at what's happening in "distant Louisiana".