Speaking after the release of the EPA water quality report, Sinn Féin TD for Kerry, Pa Daly, has called for action to prevent serious issues continuing with the county’s waterways.
Teachta Daly said that he has been monitoring the EPA reports over the course of the last number of years.
“Water quality can be impacted by a number of different factors, including agri emissions, discharge of sewage and run-off from other activities,” he said.
“The reports continue to paint a concerning picture for bodies of water within the county. Tourism and fisheries, both important industries locally, are massively impacted by water pollution.
The Big River
“To my understanding, nothing has been done in this period to clean up the ‘Big River’ which flows directly through Tralee. That there are five different septic tanks discharging effluent into the river is simply not acceptable.
“Irish Water and Kerry County Council are aware of this but have carried out no work to prevent this happening.
Areas to be Prioritised
“Irish Water also needs to carry out assessments in Cromane, Maherees, Tralee Bay, Valentia Harbour and the Kenmare River.
“These are all areas under immediate threat from further pollution.
“Action is urgently required and works in the likes of: Castlegregory, Glenbeigh, Abbeydorney and Fenit must now be prioritised,” he concluded.
You can contact The Maine Valley Post on… Anyone in The Maine Valley Post catchment area who would like to send us news and captioned photographs for inclusion can send them to: jreidy@mainevalleypost.com Queries about advertising and any other matters regarding The Maine Valley Post can also be sent to that address or just ring: 087 23 59 467.
