Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has confirmed that there was an effluent overflow from a pumping station adjacent to Seapoint but has not yet given full details about the incident.
A spokesperson for the authority confirmed that there had been an overflow from the station on August 19, but stopped short of providing specific information on the quantity or seriousness of the discharge.
The confirmation comes after serious concerns were raised that a foul-smelling brown sludge, which appeared in the sea off south Dublin, could be sewage overflowing from a nearby pumping station.
But now, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council has moved to alleviate fears that the mysterious brown sludge and foul smell is linked to the pumping station overflow incident and insists that it is the result of natural occurring brown algae which has made its way onto the beach.
"As far as I know the overflow occurred when the pump in the pumping station was beaten [by the amount of material that it had to pump] and that happened because of the heavy rainfall," a spokesperson said.
However, when asked to give details on the material that had made its way into the sea, which is a popular bathing spot for thousands of southside residents, the spokeswoman declined to comment.
When questioned about what had caused a number of readings to rise above the Blue Flag limit on August 14 last month, five days before the overflow occurred, the spokeswoman stated: "This is a bay and therefore a natural environment with human, animal and plant activity that is not within the control of the local authority.
"Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council wishes to reiterate that independent sampling by Dublin city central laboratory has confirmed that the water quality on our two Blue Flag beaches at Seapoint and Killiney meets the stringent standards set by the Blue Flag criteria."
She continued: "These standards are considerably in excess of Irish natural regulation and mandatory standards as determined by the EU bathing water directive and Irish national regulation limits."
The council spokeswoman was keen to point out that the readings which occurred on August 14 were in no way related to the subsequent overflow which took place on August 19 or the appearance of a brown sludge which has been observed by locals in the area over the past two weeks.
Meanwhile, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) carried out a number of tests in the water at Seapoint last Friday, after been contacted by the Sunday Independent.
The agency subsequently confirmed that the brown sludge that is currently present in the water is in fact a strand of brown mackerel algae otherwise known as Ecto carpus pylaiella.
Speaking about the results of the tests, a spokeswoman said, "One of our inspectors completed the investigation and it seems that the sludge is in fact a band of brown mackerel algae which has been stranded on the sea shore.
"It is a naturally occurring and, while it doesn't look pretty, it actually isn't of any issue, apart from the odour."
The environment agency also stated that it will be carrying out further, more detailed examinations, over the next week.
But despite reassurances from local authorities and environmental agencies, locals were still cautious about going for their regular swim last week.
A number of children who were playing in the water at Seapoint spoke of how they had heard rumours about the sludge and said they felt sick after swallowing the water.
Thirteen-year-old Kim Joyce from Blackrock complained that the odour was making her feel unwell.
"You can smell it all the way up at our house. It makes me feel sick, and my little brother, who is only two years of age, got sick from the smell of it. I also have a rash on my legs and I think that might be from the water."
Her friend, Adam Kane (12) agreed: "It's rotten when you swallow the water. But we've nowhere else to play except the park and that's not as good.
"We'd like if the water got cleaned out so we wouldn't have to worry about going for a swim anymore.
Local businesses, such as the Purty Kitchen restaurant, are very keen that the problem of the foul odour should be addressed urgently.
Irish Independent
Monday, 17 September 2007
Waste plant discharge is confirmed by Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown
Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has confirmed that there was an effluent overflow from a pumping station adjacent to Seapoint but has not yet given full details about the incident.
A spokesperson for the authority confirmed that there had been an overflow from the station on August 19, but stopped short of providing specific information on the quantity or seriousness of the discharge.
The confirmation comes after serious concerns were raised that a foul-smelling brown sludge, which appeared in the sea off south Dublin, could be sewage overflowing from a nearby pumping station.
But now, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council has moved to alleviate fears that the mysterious brown sludge and foul smell is linked to the pumping station overflow incident and insists that it is the result of natural occurring brown algae which has made its way onto the beach.
"As far as I know the overflow occurred when the pump in the pumping station was beaten [by the amount of material that it had to pump] and that happened because of the heavy rainfall," a spokesperson said.
However, when asked to give details on the material that had made its way into the sea, which is a popular bathing spot for thousands of southside residents, the spokeswoman declined to comment.
When questioned about what had caused a number of readings to rise above the Blue Flag limit on August 14 last month, five days before the overflow occurred, the spokeswoman stated: "This is a bay and therefore a natural environment with human, animal and plant activity that is not within the control of the local authority.
"Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council wishes to reiterate that independent sampling by Dublin city central laboratory has confirmed that the water quality on our two Blue Flag beaches at Seapoint and Killiney meets the stringent standards set by the Blue Flag criteria."
She continued: "These standards are considerably in excess of Irish natural regulation and mandatory standards as determined by the EU bathing water directive and Irish national regulation limits."
The council spokeswoman was keen to point out that the readings which occurred on August 14 were in no way related to the subsequent overflow which took place on August 19 or the appearance of a brown sludge which has been observed by locals in the area over the past two weeks.
Meanwhile, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) carried out a number of tests in the water at Seapoint last Friday, after been contacted by the Sunday Independent.
The agency subsequently confirmed that the brown sludge that is currently present in the water is in fact a strand of brown mackerel algae otherwise known as Ecto carpus pylaiella.
Speaking about the results of the tests, a spokeswoman said, "One of our inspectors completed the investigation and it seems that the sludge is in fact a band of brown mackerel algae which has been stranded on the sea shore.
"It is a naturally occurring and, while it doesn't look pretty, it actually isn't of any issue, apart from the odour."
The environment agency also stated that it will be carrying out further, more detailed examinations, over the next week.
But despite reassurances from local authorities and environmental agencies, locals were still cautious about going for their regular swim last week.
A number of children who were playing in the water at Seapoint spoke of how they had heard rumours about the sludge and said they felt sick after swallowing the water.
Thirteen-year-old Kim Joyce from Blackrock complained that the odour was making her feel unwell.
"You can smell it all the way up at our house. It makes me feel sick, and my little brother, who is only two years of age, got sick from the smell of it. I also have a rash on my legs and I think that might be from the water."
Her friend, Adam Kane (12) agreed: "It's rotten when you swallow the water. But we've nowhere else to play except the park and that's not as good.
"We'd like if the water got cleaned out so we wouldn't have to worry about going for a swim anymore.
Local businesses, such as the Purty Kitchen restaurant, are very keen that the problem of the foul odour should be addressed urgently.
Irish Independent
A spokesperson for the authority confirmed that there had been an overflow from the station on August 19, but stopped short of providing specific information on the quantity or seriousness of the discharge.
The confirmation comes after serious concerns were raised that a foul-smelling brown sludge, which appeared in the sea off south Dublin, could be sewage overflowing from a nearby pumping station.
But now, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council has moved to alleviate fears that the mysterious brown sludge and foul smell is linked to the pumping station overflow incident and insists that it is the result of natural occurring brown algae which has made its way onto the beach.
"As far as I know the overflow occurred when the pump in the pumping station was beaten [by the amount of material that it had to pump] and that happened because of the heavy rainfall," a spokesperson said.
However, when asked to give details on the material that had made its way into the sea, which is a popular bathing spot for thousands of southside residents, the spokeswoman declined to comment.
When questioned about what had caused a number of readings to rise above the Blue Flag limit on August 14 last month, five days before the overflow occurred, the spokeswoman stated: "This is a bay and therefore a natural environment with human, animal and plant activity that is not within the control of the local authority.
"Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council wishes to reiterate that independent sampling by Dublin city central laboratory has confirmed that the water quality on our two Blue Flag beaches at Seapoint and Killiney meets the stringent standards set by the Blue Flag criteria."
She continued: "These standards are considerably in excess of Irish natural regulation and mandatory standards as determined by the EU bathing water directive and Irish national regulation limits."
The council spokeswoman was keen to point out that the readings which occurred on August 14 were in no way related to the subsequent overflow which took place on August 19 or the appearance of a brown sludge which has been observed by locals in the area over the past two weeks.
Meanwhile, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) carried out a number of tests in the water at Seapoint last Friday, after been contacted by the Sunday Independent.
The agency subsequently confirmed that the brown sludge that is currently present in the water is in fact a strand of brown mackerel algae otherwise known as Ecto carpus pylaiella.
Speaking about the results of the tests, a spokeswoman said, "One of our inspectors completed the investigation and it seems that the sludge is in fact a band of brown mackerel algae which has been stranded on the sea shore.
"It is a naturally occurring and, while it doesn't look pretty, it actually isn't of any issue, apart from the odour."
The environment agency also stated that it will be carrying out further, more detailed examinations, over the next week.
But despite reassurances from local authorities and environmental agencies, locals were still cautious about going for their regular swim last week.
A number of children who were playing in the water at Seapoint spoke of how they had heard rumours about the sludge and said they felt sick after swallowing the water.
Thirteen-year-old Kim Joyce from Blackrock complained that the odour was making her feel unwell.
"You can smell it all the way up at our house. It makes me feel sick, and my little brother, who is only two years of age, got sick from the smell of it. I also have a rash on my legs and I think that might be from the water."
Her friend, Adam Kane (12) agreed: "It's rotten when you swallow the water. But we've nowhere else to play except the park and that's not as good.
"We'd like if the water got cleaned out so we wouldn't have to worry about going for a swim anymore.
Local businesses, such as the Purty Kitchen restaurant, are very keen that the problem of the foul odour should be addressed urgently.
Irish Independent
Luxury flats plan sparks unholy row
AN unholy row has broken out involving two religious orders of nursing sisters, a parish and one of the country's best-known businessmen, Noel Smyth, over plans to build luxury apartments on the site of St Michael's Hospital in Dun Laoghaire.
The tussle concerns the Sisters of Charity and St Vincent's Healthcare Group and the parish of St Michael's in Dun Laoghaire on one side and the Sisters of Mercy and Mr Smyth on the other.
St Vincent's Healthcare Group, which administers both St Vincent's Hospital and St Michael's Hospital in Dun Laoghaire, is annoyed at the decision of the Sisters of Mercy -- who own the lands around St Michael's -- to sell off the one-acre car park and another part of the site earlier this year to the developer for between €20m and €30m.
St Vincent's wants to completely upgrade the ageing hospital.
Mr Smyth, lodged a planning application last month for two blocks of luxury apartments on the two sites within the hospital complex.
A total of 111 apartments is proposed for the two blocks running from the harbour side of the coast to the centre of the town. Objections have now been lodged on behalf of St Vincent's and the Sisters of Charity and by the Parish of St Michael's in Dun Laoghaire to the proposed complex.
A spokesman for St Vincent's confirmed that an objection had been lodged, but there was no sign of the objection in the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Planning Office's files on Friday.
In a statement last month, St Vincent's said: "The future operation of St Michael's at its current site will be adversely affected if the car park site that is currently being used by patients and staff is no longer available to the hospital.
"This car park site was not owned by SVHG or the Sisters of Charity (SVHG trustees) and has been sold recently by its owners, the Sisters of Mercy. The car park is an integral part of current hospital services. SVHG was interested in acquiring the car park for use by St Michael's Hospital.
"It had discussions with the Sisters of Mercy and is disappointed that the car park site has been sold to a third party."
The Parish of St Michael in Dun Laoghaire has lodged two objections to the proposal for apartments on the site of the old nurses' home as it would overlook a community centre.
Irish Independent
The tussle concerns the Sisters of Charity and St Vincent's Healthcare Group and the parish of St Michael's in Dun Laoghaire on one side and the Sisters of Mercy and Mr Smyth on the other.
St Vincent's Healthcare Group, which administers both St Vincent's Hospital and St Michael's Hospital in Dun Laoghaire, is annoyed at the decision of the Sisters of Mercy -- who own the lands around St Michael's -- to sell off the one-acre car park and another part of the site earlier this year to the developer for between €20m and €30m.
St Vincent's wants to completely upgrade the ageing hospital.
Mr Smyth, lodged a planning application last month for two blocks of luxury apartments on the two sites within the hospital complex.
A total of 111 apartments is proposed for the two blocks running from the harbour side of the coast to the centre of the town. Objections have now been lodged on behalf of St Vincent's and the Sisters of Charity and by the Parish of St Michael's in Dun Laoghaire to the proposed complex.
A spokesman for St Vincent's confirmed that an objection had been lodged, but there was no sign of the objection in the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Planning Office's files on Friday.
In a statement last month, St Vincent's said: "The future operation of St Michael's at its current site will be adversely affected if the car park site that is currently being used by patients and staff is no longer available to the hospital.
"This car park site was not owned by SVHG or the Sisters of Charity (SVHG trustees) and has been sold recently by its owners, the Sisters of Mercy. The car park is an integral part of current hospital services. SVHG was interested in acquiring the car park for use by St Michael's Hospital.
"It had discussions with the Sisters of Mercy and is disappointed that the car park site has been sold to a third party."
The Parish of St Michael in Dun Laoghaire has lodged two objections to the proposal for apartments on the site of the old nurses' home as it would overlook a community centre.
Irish Independent
U2 cutting it fine with hotel plans
Protected structure may hinder skycatcher glass dome proposal
U2's plan to transform the Clarence Hotel is hanging in the balance, as the rock supergroup have just one more week left to answer a list of key questions from the planning authorities about the project.
Bono and the Edge - who own the property in the heart of the capital - applied to Dublin City Council earlier this year to give the Clarence a €150 million revamp.
Their ambitious plan is to make the Clarence "the most spectacular hotel in Europe", complete with a spaceship-like glass dome on top, visible from all over the city.
Their proposal to quadruple the size of their landmark property, demolishing neighbouring Georgian buildings and rebuilding the hotel itself, has been the subject of a number of objections.
Officials in the council's planning department delayed their application in March, saying the owners must answer a raft of 18 questions before it could be considered.
They were given six months to respond -- but have yet to do so and the cut-off time is looming.
With the deadline set for September 26, the Clarence Partnership have just over one week left to provide the additional information requested.
A source in the planning department said: "They are cutting it very fine, leaving it until the eleventh hour. Or perhaps they are using all the time they have, as some of the questions are very complex."
In a letter to Bono and the Edge, the department pointed out that under Section 57 of the Planning and Development Act, authorities will not grant planning permission for the demolition of a protected structure, save in exceptional circumstances.
It stated that it requires the strongest justification to do so and wants the owners to address this matter in detail.
A significant number of the queries relate to the ambitious skycatcher glass dome, a Viking boat-shaped atrium stretching from the basement to the rooftop.
It asked the applicants to clarify the numbers and purpose of all proposed openings onto both Wellington Quay and Essex Street East and it wants more information and details on drawings and plans and requests clarification on the nature of the proposed retail area.
Bono wants to transform the 44-bedroom boutique hotel into a nine-storey, 141-bedroom five-star hotel and spa complete with signature restaurant, bar and fresh food market.
The new hotel will encompass the former Dollard printing works and four other Georgian buildings on Wellington Quay.
Objectors to the plan include An Taisce, the heritage trust, who say the proposal is completely inappropriate for both the protected structures and their historic city-centre location, and the Irish Georgian Society, which believes that the development would dwarf adjoining buildings and dominate the Liffey quays.
The Clarence hotel was established in 1852 and bought by Bono and The Edge in 1992. Despite being the hotel of choice for international celebrities, it has incurred losses.
One of the biggest critics of the proposed Clarence revamp is conservationist and former head of An Taisce, Michael Smith, who described it as the "bastardisation" of the hotel.
He said: "The city council has indulged them and their property partner Paddy McKillen long enough."
Irish Independent
U2's plan to transform the Clarence Hotel is hanging in the balance, as the rock supergroup have just one more week left to answer a list of key questions from the planning authorities about the project.
Bono and the Edge - who own the property in the heart of the capital - applied to Dublin City Council earlier this year to give the Clarence a €150 million revamp.
Their ambitious plan is to make the Clarence "the most spectacular hotel in Europe", complete with a spaceship-like glass dome on top, visible from all over the city.
Their proposal to quadruple the size of their landmark property, demolishing neighbouring Georgian buildings and rebuilding the hotel itself, has been the subject of a number of objections.
Officials in the council's planning department delayed their application in March, saying the owners must answer a raft of 18 questions before it could be considered.
They were given six months to respond -- but have yet to do so and the cut-off time is looming.
With the deadline set for September 26, the Clarence Partnership have just over one week left to provide the additional information requested.
A source in the planning department said: "They are cutting it very fine, leaving it until the eleventh hour. Or perhaps they are using all the time they have, as some of the questions are very complex."
In a letter to Bono and the Edge, the department pointed out that under Section 57 of the Planning and Development Act, authorities will not grant planning permission for the demolition of a protected structure, save in exceptional circumstances.
It stated that it requires the strongest justification to do so and wants the owners to address this matter in detail.
A significant number of the queries relate to the ambitious skycatcher glass dome, a Viking boat-shaped atrium stretching from the basement to the rooftop.
It asked the applicants to clarify the numbers and purpose of all proposed openings onto both Wellington Quay and Essex Street East and it wants more information and details on drawings and plans and requests clarification on the nature of the proposed retail area.
Bono wants to transform the 44-bedroom boutique hotel into a nine-storey, 141-bedroom five-star hotel and spa complete with signature restaurant, bar and fresh food market.
The new hotel will encompass the former Dollard printing works and four other Georgian buildings on Wellington Quay.
Objectors to the plan include An Taisce, the heritage trust, who say the proposal is completely inappropriate for both the protected structures and their historic city-centre location, and the Irish Georgian Society, which believes that the development would dwarf adjoining buildings and dominate the Liffey quays.
The Clarence hotel was established in 1852 and bought by Bono and The Edge in 1992. Despite being the hotel of choice for international celebrities, it has incurred losses.
One of the biggest critics of the proposed Clarence revamp is conservationist and former head of An Taisce, Michael Smith, who described it as the "bastardisation" of the hotel.
He said: "The city council has indulged them and their property partner Paddy McKillen long enough."
Irish Independent
Luas line on track for train link
THE Luas is to be extended into the centre of the Co Wicklow seaside town of Bray, transport chiefs have confirmed.
It comes after an intense public campaign to have the rail line connect with both the Dart and trains from the south-east, which carry thousands of commuters into Dublin every day.
The extension from Cherrywood, near Loughlinstown, to an as yet undetermined spot north of the town will divide in two, with one line going to Fassaroe in the west and the other through Bray to the Dart.
The announcement is a major coup for the county, with both local politicians and the town's chamber of commerce strongly welcoming the move.
Tom Manning, Railway Procurement Agency (RPA), said: "It was decided that, subject to approval and receiving funding, the line will go and connect with the Dart."
Rolled-out under the Government's Transport 21 plan, the RPA last summer announced three possible routes for the extension, all of which by-passed Bray centre. But a campaign, launched by the local chamber of commerce, called for a spur-line to connect the light rail system with the Dart.
Advertisements were taken out in the county's local media, urging residents to write to the RPA in support of the link.
The announcement was given this week via an RPA letter to county manager Eddie Sheehy, read out at a meeting of Bray Town Council.
Subject to planning approval, it is hoped the project could be finished by 2015.
It would mark a major transport boost for the commuter population of both counties Wicklow and Wexford.
Mr Manning said detailed plans would now be devised as to how trams would run through the town.
Bray Chamber President Eugene Finnegan branded the announcement as historic.
"A number of months ago, all that seemed likely was a bus transit link into Bray from a Luas stop in Fassaroe," he said.
"Today, we have confirmation that the Luas will be brought into Bray and will link with Bray Dart Station.
"It is clear that the significant public response from the public in Bray and Co Wicklow calling on the RPA to bring the Luas into Bray was a significant factor in this decision.
"From the outset, we have passionately lobbied and articulated our belief that the Luas should connect with Bray Dart Station, thereby serving an existing population of 30,000, as well as towns across Co Wicklow served by the Suburban Rail Service," he said.
Irish Independent
It comes after an intense public campaign to have the rail line connect with both the Dart and trains from the south-east, which carry thousands of commuters into Dublin every day.
The extension from Cherrywood, near Loughlinstown, to an as yet undetermined spot north of the town will divide in two, with one line going to Fassaroe in the west and the other through Bray to the Dart.
The announcement is a major coup for the county, with both local politicians and the town's chamber of commerce strongly welcoming the move.
Tom Manning, Railway Procurement Agency (RPA), said: "It was decided that, subject to approval and receiving funding, the line will go and connect with the Dart."
Rolled-out under the Government's Transport 21 plan, the RPA last summer announced three possible routes for the extension, all of which by-passed Bray centre. But a campaign, launched by the local chamber of commerce, called for a spur-line to connect the light rail system with the Dart.
Advertisements were taken out in the county's local media, urging residents to write to the RPA in support of the link.
The announcement was given this week via an RPA letter to county manager Eddie Sheehy, read out at a meeting of Bray Town Council.
Subject to planning approval, it is hoped the project could be finished by 2015.
It would mark a major transport boost for the commuter population of both counties Wicklow and Wexford.
Mr Manning said detailed plans would now be devised as to how trams would run through the town.
Bray Chamber President Eugene Finnegan branded the announcement as historic.
"A number of months ago, all that seemed likely was a bus transit link into Bray from a Luas stop in Fassaroe," he said.
"Today, we have confirmation that the Luas will be brought into Bray and will link with Bray Dart Station.
"It is clear that the significant public response from the public in Bray and Co Wicklow calling on the RPA to bring the Luas into Bray was a significant factor in this decision.
"From the outset, we have passionately lobbied and articulated our belief that the Luas should connect with Bray Dart Station, thereby serving an existing population of 30,000, as well as towns across Co Wicklow served by the Suburban Rail Service," he said.
Irish Independent
Shortlist drawn for €5bn Dublin Metro system
A SHORTLIST of international consortia has been drawn up to design, build and operate the proposed €5bn Metro from Dublin city centre to the airport.
The list of bidders, selected by the Rail Procurement Agency (RPA), includes some of the leading operators of Metro systems abroad.
It includes Veolia, which already operates the Luas.
Shortlisted consortia has until November 2 to compete for one infrastructure provider, one to supply the Metro carriages and one to operate the system.
It is intended that the Railway Order application process will commence in early 2008.
The pre-application consultation process with an An Bord Pleanala has commenced and the public consultation process is ongoing.
However, it is expected that the Metro will not be operational until 2016.
As well as Metro North, the RPA is planning the Metro West, a 25km line linking Tallaght with Ballymun and a number of Luas lines, serving Citywest, Docklands and Cherrywood/Shanganagh.
Irish Independent
The list of bidders, selected by the Rail Procurement Agency (RPA), includes some of the leading operators of Metro systems abroad.
It includes Veolia, which already operates the Luas.
Shortlisted consortia has until November 2 to compete for one infrastructure provider, one to supply the Metro carriages and one to operate the system.
It is intended that the Railway Order application process will commence in early 2008.
The pre-application consultation process with an An Bord Pleanala has commenced and the public consultation process is ongoing.
However, it is expected that the Metro will not be operational until 2016.
As well as Metro North, the RPA is planning the Metro West, a 25km line linking Tallaght with Ballymun and a number of Luas lines, serving Citywest, Docklands and Cherrywood/Shanganagh.
Irish Independent
It's back to boiling water as e-coli strikes supplies
Just when they thought it was safe to try the water again . . . householders in Galway city's biggest suburb were reeling last night after being told once more that they could not use the tap water.
A 'water boil' notice was put in place after it was confirmed that traces of e-coli were found in the public supply in Knocknacarra.
The area has a population of 15,000 and, for the umpteenth time this year, most were traipsing to local supermarkets last night to stock up once again on bottled water.
Galway City Council issued the alert after tests revealed the presence of e-coli in the system.
And while the latest infection has nothing to do with the cryptosporidium outbreak which had the entire city boiling water for five months earlier this year, the precautionary notice was immediately issued.
Director of services with Galway City Council, Ciaran Hayes said that the problem appeared to have been caused by work being carried out by the Council on the water line in the Knocknacarra area.
Mr Hayes said: "As a result of the sampling that we undertake routinely in the area, we picked up a high reading for e-coli in the Knocknacarra area.
"What we did immediately was we flushed out the system and carried out remedial works. We injected additional chlorine and so on into the system."
He added: "We have since taken samples again and all of those samples are now clear. But we have consulted with the HSE in this matter and it has been decided on a precautionary basis to introduce a 'water boil' notice for a large part of the area".
Mr Hayes added that he expected that the notice would only be "in the short term".
But local councillor, Padraig Conneely said that it was only a matter of weeks since the people of Galway had emerged from five months of boiling water as a result of the cryptosporidium outbreak in the city. He described the latest development as "astounding".
"People were only starting to feel safe drinking the water again and now they are told that it is again contaminated. It is just not acceptable. I can't believe that the necessary precautions were not taken to ensure that the water would not be contaminated," he said.
Irish Independent
A 'water boil' notice was put in place after it was confirmed that traces of e-coli were found in the public supply in Knocknacarra.
The area has a population of 15,000 and, for the umpteenth time this year, most were traipsing to local supermarkets last night to stock up once again on bottled water.
Galway City Council issued the alert after tests revealed the presence of e-coli in the system.
And while the latest infection has nothing to do with the cryptosporidium outbreak which had the entire city boiling water for five months earlier this year, the precautionary notice was immediately issued.
Director of services with Galway City Council, Ciaran Hayes said that the problem appeared to have been caused by work being carried out by the Council on the water line in the Knocknacarra area.
Mr Hayes said: "As a result of the sampling that we undertake routinely in the area, we picked up a high reading for e-coli in the Knocknacarra area.
"What we did immediately was we flushed out the system and carried out remedial works. We injected additional chlorine and so on into the system."
He added: "We have since taken samples again and all of those samples are now clear. But we have consulted with the HSE in this matter and it has been decided on a precautionary basis to introduce a 'water boil' notice for a large part of the area".
Mr Hayes added that he expected that the notice would only be "in the short term".
But local councillor, Padraig Conneely said that it was only a matter of weeks since the people of Galway had emerged from five months of boiling water as a result of the cryptosporidium outbreak in the city. He described the latest development as "astounding".
"People were only starting to feel safe drinking the water again and now they are told that it is again contaminated. It is just not acceptable. I can't believe that the necessary precautions were not taken to ensure that the water would not be contaminated," he said.
Irish Independent
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