Bathing water concerns raised

NORTHSIDE councillor Donna Cooney (GP) attended a meeting with Irish Water officials recently to discuss issues surrounding frequent sewage contamination of Dublin bathing waters from the Ringsend treatment plant.

Cllr Cooney, who represents the Clontarf Local Electoral Area (LEA), was among the Dublin City Councillors to put questions to the company at City Hall. 

The meeting was held on foot of an emergency motion tabled by Cllr Cooney and her Green Party colleague Cllr Claire Byrne at the July 1 meeting of Dublin City Council. 

Cllr Cooney, a year-round sea swimmer, said Dubliners want answers from Irish Water and has vowed to vigorously protect Dublin Bay. 

"I truly believe sea swimming is an amazing experience and so good for your health and wellbeing,” she said.   

“It’s also free and increasingly popular – as highlighted in the RTE documentary ‘Vitamin Sea’. We had over 900 bathers interested in swimming at our event on Bloomsday and it was nearly cancelled due to a sewage leak. 

“Also, a bathing restriction was in place during the enormously popular kite festival on Dollymount in June.”

Following the meeting, Irish Water said it was pleased to have the opportunity to engage with Dublin City Councillors on the operation of the Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant storm water overflow system.

“The Ringsend storm water overflows are designed and operated in line with international best practice in order to safeguard public health to prevent the sewer network from backing up and causing flooding of roads and properties during heavy rainfall,” said an Irish Water spokesperson.  

“The overflow contains wastewater that is highly diluted with rainwater and has been screened and settled to remove debris – a form of primary treatment.

“Irish Water notifies Local Authorities and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of any incidents or overflow that occur at the plant that could impact the receiving waters. 

“The Local Authority collects information on bathing water quality on a regular basis and, in consultation with the HSE, provides information and guidance on using bathing waters and about any prohibitions.”

Irish Water also outlined it plans for the upgrade of the Ringsend plant. 

“Irish Water is investing over €400 million in the staged upgrading of Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant,” said the spokesperson.  

“This investment will allow the plant to treat the increasing volumes of wastewater arriving 
at the plant to the required standard and capacity. 

“This project will enable future housing and commercial development and ensure that Dublin is able to sustain continued growth.”