‘Smelly' Louth coastline a ‘naturally occurring phenomenon'
He told councillors the bloom is particularly prevalent 'along the strand at the main street, the Priest's beach and along the marsh grasses at The Loakers which is an Special Protected Area (SPA) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).'
Explaining that he had raised this with the local authority, he added: 'I was told that it wasn't what I thought it was, and it was a natural occurrence and harmless. I requested it be cleaned up as soon as possible as people couldn't put their clothes outside on the line, or even walk in the area because the smell was so repugnant. I cannot imagine the effect this is having on our wildlife.'
The response to my queries was that 'we couldn't take a vehicle on to the beach as the National Parks and Wildlife services would not allow it'.
He added: 'I believe this material washed up is an Algal Bloom which is a rapid increase of algae which is caused by an excess of nitrogen and phosphorus in particular. These blooms can be extremely harmful, impacting water quality, causing oxygen depletion and producing toxins that not only affect wildlife but seriously effect humans and pets. Animal and human health is threatened here as this nutrient pollution contains high levels of Nitrogen and Phosphorus from sources like sewage and slurry.'
'Sometimes, you only have to use your sense of smell, to realise that this is a major problem caused by our lack of sewerage treatment capacity in this entire area and toilet waste getting into our seas is the main cause of it I believe. The permitted use of human sludge from WWTP (Waste Water treatment plants) on our lands and the "uncontrolled releases" from WWTP and storm drainpipes has contributed enormously to this algal bloom, I believe.'
'I am requesting the environmental section of this council to get an independent analysis carried out on this Algae, as the onus is on us as councillors in the chamber to have it tested and determine its safety and our next moves. I believe the environmental section of Louth County Council cannot continue to promote the notion that this is a natural occurrence and not in any way a risk to human health.'
Cllr. McGuinness criticised what he referred to as 'a lack of engagement'
"I have raised this a number of times over the last twelve months, Dundalk South needs a Waste Water Treatment Plant. I know that we can easily say it is an Irish Water issue, but I believe we need to communicate better over the next twelve months.'
Director of Service, David Hanratty, said they had been in contact with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in relation to this matter, adding: 'The position hasn't changed, it is a natural phenomenon.'
He explained that the nutrient rich water in this area, comes largely from the marsh land.
Mr. Hanratty said they had 'no reports of malfunctions at waste water treatment plants that would have contributed to this...and no evidence of any links to sewage or any run off from agricultural activities.'
He added that as it is a "naturally occurring algal bloom' the local authority 'cannot clean it up, we cannot interfere with the natural ecological processes.'
The very warm Spring weather, coupled with the nutrient rich water, had likely contributed to the increase in algal bloom, he said.
'But, that being said, we will continue to monitor the situation,'
On a related topic, Cllr. Marianne Butler asked if there were any 'nature based projects' to deal with the 'run off from streets etc' in Louth. She asked: 'When are we going to adopt nature based solutions?'
Mr. Hanratty said that under the new Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, Dundalk has been chosen as one of five pilot sites around the country that will see the development of an integrated waste water treatment plant, looking at where water comes from and where it goes.
He added that it is being led by Uisce Eireann, but involves local stakeholders including Louth County Council.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RTÉ News
5 days ago
- RTÉ News
E. Coli breaches found in private water schemes
A new report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has found that there have been a number of breaches in E. Coli standards in private group schemes. The Drinking Water Quality in Private Group Schemes and Small Private Supplies 2024 report has found that 24 private groups failed to meet E. Coli standards in 2024. This is an increase of 13 from 2022. Currently, over 370 private group schemes supply drinking water to 193,000 people across rural communities in Ireland. In addition, many businesses and public facilities supply water from their own private wells. There are almost 1,700 small private supplies registered with local authorities. However, many more are not registered. A gap in current drinking water legislation means the regulations do not require private suppliers to register, meaning the total number of small private supplies in the country remains unknown. These include supplies serving schools, nursing homes, sports clubs and self-catering accommodations. The quality of water in unregistered supplies is not monitored by local authorities. "The lack of a mandatory requirement to register a private supply serving water to the public is a serious legislative gap that must be addressed," said EPA Director Micheál Lehane. "Without registration and subsequent monitoring by local authorities, consumers are unaware of the potential health risk they may be exposed to. "Everyone has the right to safe drinking water. We want to see mandatory registration, but in the interim, we strongly encourage private suppliers to register with local authorities so that all proper safety checks can be carried out on their supply." E. Coli compliance Meeting E. Coli standards is a minimum requirement in the provision of safe drinking water and failures indicate a lack of proper disinfection which must be addressed by water suppliers. While 24 private group schemes failed to meet the E. coli standard in 2024, six schemes had repeat failures over two consecutive years. Five of these are on long-term boil water notices. E. Coli failures were also recorded in 51 small private supplies that were monitored by local authorities, posing a risk to consumers that use these supplies. Noel Byrne, Programme Manager of the EPA's Office of Radiation Protection and Environmental Monitoring said: "E. Coli contamination of a drinking water supply can cause serious public health impacts. "E. Coli compliance has declined with almost double the number of private supplies failing in 2024 compared to 2022. "This needs to be addressed as every community deserves access to safe, clean drinking water. Suppliers must take action to upgrade their systems and meet standards. "Local authorities, as the regulator of private group schemes, need to take the necessary enforcement action to ensure public health is protected," he added.
Irish Times
5 days ago
- Irish Times
Environment watchdog recommends mandating registration of private drinking water supplies
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has called on the Government to urgently introduce mandatory registration for all private drinking water supplies because of ongoing contamination and the absence of accurate data on people getting their water from such sources. In its report on private water supplies for 2024 published on Tuesday, it highlights the total number of small private supplies remains unknown as there is no legal obligation to register, while unregistered supplies are not monitored by local authorities – despite a worsening problem in the sector. Water quality in private water supplies 'is not as good as public water supplies', with the number of private group schemes failing to meet standards in 2024 at 24; up from 13 in 2022. More than 370 private group schemes supply drinking water to 193,000 people across rural communities. In addition, many businesses and public facilities source water from their own private wells – known as small private supplies. Almost 1,700 small private supplies are registered with local authorities, but many more are not. These include supplies serving schools, nursing homes, sports clubs and self-catering accommodation. EPA director Micheál Lehane said: 'Without registration and subsequent monitoring by local authorities, consumers are unaware of the potential health risk they may be exposed to.' In the interim, the EPA said private suppliers should register with local authorities 'so all proper safety checks can be carried out on their supply'. Meeting standards is a minimum requirement in providing safe water and failures indicate lack of proper disinfection. Six schemes had repeat failures over two consecutive years and five of these are on long-term boil water notices. failures were recorded in 51 small private supplies monitored by local authorities. Programme manager at the EPA office of environmental monitoring Noel Byrne said: ' compliance has declined with almost double the number of private supplies failing in 2024 compared to 2022.' In 2024, 19 private group schemes supplying 21,800 people failed the standard for Trihalomethanes, which can form when organic matter in water reacts with chlorine disinfectant – long-term exposure poses a health risk.
Irish Independent
08-07-2025
- Irish Independent
Environment watchdog says Louth County Council responsible for water testing at Blackrock beach
The council does monitor water quality at beaches that have been classified as 'Designated Bathing' areas, but has come under pressure over recent months following environmental concerns raised about water quality and an overgrowth of algal bloom along the beach at Blackrock. Designated bathing areas are official swimming locations identified by local authorities under the Bathing Water Directive. These areas are monitored for water quality and safety during the designated bathing season, which typically runs from June to September. Blackrock beach is not a designated bathing area, which means that, despite it being one of the most popular beaches in the county, it is not monitored for water quality. However, the EPA has confirmed that while Louth County Council is not 'obliged' to test at a beach which isn't formally designated, the majority of local authorities are testing at undesignated 'popular swimming spots,' for the purpose of 'protecting public health.' Elected representatives and local lobby groups have been calling for testing to be carried out at Blackrock beach. But Louth County Council stated at the June meeting of the council that as it is not a Designated Bathing area, testing is not carried out . Meanwhile public fears over the water quality have continued to grow with the annual Blackrock Raft Race not being held on water. A special meeting was held at the end of June between local councillors and council management. It was agreed that Louth County Council write to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requesting that tests are carried out at Blackrock beach. In the letter to the EPA, the council highlighted the 'growing concern about the current environmental conditions at Blackrock beach as exemplified by the accumulation of seaweed on the beach.' The letter also highlighted 'concerns among the public about potential pollution affecting our local waters,' and called on the EPA to carry out 'comprehensive water testing' at the beach within five days. The Argus has this week contacted the EPA to query if this testing has been conducted and to ask if the agency can take steps to alleviate public concerns. ADVERTISEMENT In a reply, the EPA confirmed that it 'does not carry out water testing at beaches," adding that this is 'a function carried out by Local Authorities.' The EPA further clarified: 'While the beach in question is not a designated bathing water, and therefore Louth County Council are not obliged to monitor it under the regulations, the majority of local authorities with designated bathing waters also conduct monitoring at popular swimming spots that are not formally designated, for the purposes of protecting public health.' "To assist the Local Authorities in carrying out this function, the EPA has developed capacity on our systems for this additional water monitoring information to be uploaded so it can be clearly displayed on This enables the public to make informed decisions about the quality of bathing water at these locations.' The Argus has reached out to Louth County Council to ask if it will, given the statement by the EPA, commence testing at Blackrock beach.
