Closure of West Cork beaches hugely concerning - Coughlan

Fianna Fáil Cllr and Mayor of Bandon, Gillian Coughlan, has expressed her concern that seven beaches in Cork have been shut due to poor quality water.

Youghal, Claycastle, Redbarn, Coolmaine, Garretstown, Oysterhaven and Garryvoe beaches have been closed due to traces of e-coli in the water.

Cllr Coughlan commented: “This is a hugely concerning situation which needs to be resolved quickly. It’s the high tourist season and the last thing we need is seven of the most popular beaches in Cork to be closed for swimming.

“The Minister for the Environment needs to take action quickly and work with Cork 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 Wednesday, which means the beaches will be closed for almost a week by then. Detailed analysis needs to be carried out and steps must be taken to ensure this problem does not arise again.

“While the amount of rainfall has been unusually high in the past number of months, we should be prepared for the consequences of this.

“Both West and East Cork depend a lot 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. Any funding that is needed to resolve this must be provided.

“A co-ordinated effort is needed to ensure these attractions are back up and running sooner rather than later.”