Closure of Clare beaches hugely concerning – Dooley

Published on: 20 July 2012



Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Transport, Tourism and Sport, Timmy Dooley TD, says the closure of three beaches in Clare due to poor quality water is hugely concerning.

Lahinch, Spanish Point and Kilkee have been closed due to traces of e-coli in the water.

Deputy Dooley commented: “This is a hugely concerning situation which needs to be resolved quickly. It’s is the high tourist season and the last thing we need is three of the most popular beaches on the West Coast to be closed for swimming at a weekend.

“The Minister for the Environment needs to take action quickly and work with Clare County Council, the HSE, An Tasice and the EPA to ascertain the causes of the presence of e-coli. The initial results are not expected back until Sunday, which means the beaches will be closed all weekend. Detailed analysis needs to be carried out and steps must be taken to ensure this problem does not arise again.

“Clare and the West Coast depends on its tourist season, a huge part of this are the pristine beaches that attract so many visitors from both here and abroad. I cannot stress enough the importance of resolving this quickly. Minister Phil Hogan needs to make the adequate funding available to find a quick resolution.

“Lahinch and Kilkee beaches have lost their blue flags and I would hope this don’t affect their chances of retaining them next year. With the weekend forecast so good it is a great shame the beaches will be closed, a co-ordinated effort is needed to ensure these attractions are back up and running sooner rather than later.”

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