Press Releases
Good news for local bathers this summer - O'Malley
Progressive Democrats press release
May 9, 2006
Good news for local bathers this summer - O'Malley
Dun Laoghaire Progressive Democrats TD Fiona O'Malley has welcomed the news that Dún-Laoghaire Rathdown has come top of the class in the annual assessment of bathing areas.
However she expressed disappointment that nearby Merrion Strand had failed to reach mandatory European Union water quality standards.
"Bathers like myself, who enjoy the clean water in Sandycove and Killiney, will be pleased to hear the good news about the cleanliness of Dún-Laoghaire but it's disappointing that there were indications of human or animal sewage at Merrion Strand," she said.
Deputy O'Malley said the Environmental Protection Agency EPA had stated that most bathing water in Ireland was of a high standard: 96% comply with EU mandatory standards while 91% comply with more stringent EU guide standards.
"I hope that the good, clean water in Dún-Laoghaire bay will attract more swimmers out to enjoy our wonderful local amenity this summer. It's a tribute to the hard work done by the council that we have managed to maintain such high standards in an urban environment."
She said it was another good reason to come and visit the area.
"The past few years have seen a remarkable transformation in the quality and coverage of public water and wastewater infrastructure. At the end of last year the Government published plans to invest €5.1 billion on new schemes."
Merrion Strand was one of five bathing areas that did not make the grade in the EPA's recent assessment, along with Sutton Burrow Beach in Fingal, Ardmore in Co Waterford, and Na Forbacha and Clifden in Co Galway.
Designated bathing sites in Dún-Laoghaire/Rathdown, Donegal, Galway city, Louth, Mayo, Westmeath and Wexford complied with all standards.