Closure of Fingal beaches unacceptable, explanation needed from Irish Water – Reilly

Fine Gael Dublin Senator James Reilly, has said that the closure of several Fingal beaches is unacceptable and an explanation is needed from Irish Water.

“I have been in contact with Irish Water and Fingal Council seeking a solution to the current problems with sewage on the beaches in Fingal.

“I find it totally unacceptable that beaches in Balbriggan, Skerries, Rush, Loughshinny, Portmarnock, Howth and Sutton are currently closed to the public.

“It is particularly unacceptable that these problems are still there after millions of euros have been invested in new treatment plants at Balbriggan, Skerries, Malahide and Donabate.

“As a doctor, I am very concerned about the potential health hazards to our people and young children in particular. At a time of year when we should be able to enjoy the tremendous amenity that is Fingal’s coastline, it is closed to us. This is frankly not good enough.

“After talking with Fingal County Council, I am satisfied that closing the beaches was the appropriate action to take in view of the health risks involved. However, despite having contacted Irish Water several times, no explanation has been given to me for the failure to protect our beaches.

“I am calling on Irish Water to give a clear explanation as to what has gone wrong, how they intend to deal with the problem and the timeframe involved in fixing it.”