Seeping seaweed an issue in Dunmoran
A small section of Dunmoran beach in west Sligo was closed off to the public for precautionary measures by Sligo County Council.
The area in question was a paddling pool close to rocks.
According to the council, seeping seaweed was causing the problem as it was entering a small pool.
Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services with Sligo County Council, explained: “I have been advised that following reports of a pollution discharge at Dunmoran Strand we have investigated the matter and have this afternoon taken precautionary action by closing off the area to the right of the posts in attached photograph.
“This covers the paddling area and the rocks.
“Warning signage requesting that this area not be entered has also been erected. The remainder of the beach is open.
“It appears that the problem may be due to buried seaweed which is seeping through the sand and into the small pool area.
“Sligo County Council have taken water samples from the beach and will continue to manage the situation over the next few days.
“We are satisfied at this time that the precautionary measures put in place are appropriate for the current situation,” the Director of Services added.
By mid- week, the council updated its information regarding the beach.
The problem appears to be decomposing seaweed that is seeping into the small pool, the Local Authority explained.
In a statement it said: “It appears that the problem may be due to buried seaweed which is decomposing and seeping through the sand and into the small pool area.
“The Council is sampling water from the area and will continue to manage the situ- ation over the next few days.
“We are satisfied at this time that the precautionary measures put in place are appropriate for the current situation.
“The area affected is restricted to the paddling area and the rocks.
“Warning signage has been erected and the remainder of the beach is open,” the council added.