Clare County Council, on the advice of the HSE, has placed a prohibition on swimming in Kilkee due to a malfunction of Irish Water sewage infrastructure.
Emergency remedial works are being undertaken by Irish Water.
Do not swim until further notice.
In a statement from Irish Water this afternoon, the utility said: “Irish Water is working with Clare County Council to carry out repairs to two rising main bursts that may result in a wastewater discharge at Kilkee beach. Crews are working to repair the bursts as quickly and as safely as possible in adherence with current HSE and government COVID-19 advice. Tankers are on-site collecting wastewater to minimise any impact and discharges to the stream which leads to the beach.
As a result of this incident, Clare County Council, in consultation with the HSE, has placed a bathing prohibition notice at Kilkee beach. It is likely that this notice will remain in place for a number of days pending the repairs of the wastewater and stormwater rising mains and the results of sampling of the bathing waters early next week, at which point the notice may be lifted. Please refer to www.beaches.ie for updates.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other relevant stakeholders have been notified and will continue to be updated on the progress of the repairs.”
Local Authorities are responsible for managing and monitoring bathing waters. The Local Authority collects information on bathing water quality on a regular basis and, in consultation with the HSE provides information and guidance to the public on using bathing waters. Notices are displayed at the bathing water locations and on the Environmental Protection Agency website, www.beaches.ie, advising the public on water quality and of any bathing restrictions.
Irish Water regrets any inconvenience caused.