South Kerry community seek help on sewage upgrades after no bathing notice at blue flag beach

By Alastair Tibbs, The Kerryman

Kerry County Council has pledged to help improve a south Kerry community’s sewerage system after a no bathing notice was issued this summer.

The council said they would help the community at Ballinskelligs find a location for a sustainable sewage treatment facility in a response to a question from Councillor Norma Moriarty.

The community in Ballinskelligs has for several years been seeking to establish an Integrated Constructed Wetland (ICW) with an aim to increase wastewater treatment capacity in their area.

In August, a no bathing notice was issued by the council for three days following an uncontrolled release of sewage into the stream, which enters the sea at the north end of the beach.

At a recent Kenmare Municipal District meeting, Cllr Moriarty said this incident highlighted the need for either an ICW or an upgrade to the existing wastewater treatment plant.

An ICW consists of a series of artificial ponds that are filled with plants and natural organisms that breakdown and remove pollutants.

Cllr Moriarty said an ICW was more economically feasible, and that funding had already been acquired for a feasibility study on the treatment facility.

She asked Kerry County Council to assist in ‘all ways possible’ the campaign of the community in Ballinskelligs to secure an upgraded wastewater system or an ICW.

A council officer responded that they ‘understood’ the situation in the community and pledged to engage with them to help find a suitable location for an ICW.