Sewage at bathing point in Kenmare

May 1992

RAW sewage is floating on the water near the pier at Kenmare and embarrassing he people of the town and handicapping the future development, Labour Deputy Vlichael Moynihan claimed this week.

The sewage is appearing near a popuar bathing beach at the back of the pier, the South Kerry Deputy said; the beach is used frequently by locals and a growing lumber of tourists.

Deputy Moynihan appealed to Environment Minister Michael Smith to enable Kerry County Council build a new sewage treatment plant for the town, however, no action can be expected to tackle the problem for this year’s tourist season.

Environment Minister Michael Smith has stated that Cahersiveen and Kenmare were part of the 1993/1995 schedule for sewerage schemes within the county.

Deputy Moynihan said the present sewerage system conducted sewage into an antiquated and undersized tank and, finally, into the River Finnihy. He claimed that the water quality at the point of entry of the sewerage pipe had seriously deteriorated.

The mouth of the River Finnihy is situated 500 yards from the popular bathing beach at the back of the pier, he said.

“Raw sewage which has been seen floating in this area poses a severe health risk to the people and is an embarrassment to an area which is striving to project a clean environmental image,” Deputy Moynihan said.

He also drew the Minister’s attention to the section of the estuary beside Kenmare Golf Course. He said the sewerage system which serviced some 30 houses in Killowen was not connected to the existing town system but flowed into the estuary at that point.

Concern about the water quality has been expressed by a number of Kenmare residents.

Paddy Brennan, Killowen Cottage said the sewerage system, built over 80 years ago, was pouring sewage into the Finnihy less than 50 yards from a row of houses.

Mr Brennan said Kenmare had one of the highest rates of building in the county and he said something had to be done as soon as possible because of that.