Contamination due to a sewage release near a beach in South Kerry underlines the need for the area’s sewerage system to be upgraded.
That’s the view of Fianna Fáil councillor Norma Moriarty.
She was speaking after a ‘do not swim’ order was put in place at Ballinskelligs beach, following the uncontrolled release of sewage into the stream, which enters the sea at the north end of the beach.
Cllr Moriarty says Uisce Éireann confirmed to her that the problem was caused by a blockage that resulted in an overspill from a manhole.
It’s being monitored by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Cllr Moriarty says the existing sewerage system has been there since 1962 and she believes an upgraded, integrated wetlands system is needed there: