Cautious optimism has been expressed that water quality at Tramore, one of Ireland's most popular beaches, is to improve after decades of concern about discharges of raw sewage into Tramore Bay.
The quality of bathing water has been of concern to environmentalists and local residents for decades, with one of Ireland's most famous seaside resorts receiving unwanted media attention whenever unsavoury material was washed up on the beach and promenade.
During the high season and when strong winds and high seas combine, walkers have noticed an increase in detritus, including condoms, nappies and sanitary towels, deposited on the beach.
Mr Michael Whelan, chairman of the Saleens Environmental Group, acknowledged that work was to begin on a new sewage treatment plant, but he remains concerned that, in the meantime, the problem is being ignored.
"We want an emergency filtration system to be installed at the outflow sewage pipe near Tramore. It may take up to two years for the new plant to be up and running. In the meantime, the large number of visitors and additional houses in the town will aggravate the problem."
Tramore's population grew by more than 25 per cent in the six years to 2002, while it also remains popular with visitors, particularly from Dublin, Northern Ireland and Britain - all of whom add to the strain on the town's mostly Victorian infrastructure.
However, the Mayor, Cllr Ben Gavin (FF), stressed yesterday that the problems were coming to an end. "Waterford County Council is now on track with the treatment plant and things are looking good for the future. The tender deadline for the collection and delivery pipe-work passed on February 4th and over 20 tenders were received for the civil works and a similar number for the mechanical. The council hope to award contracts later this year with work to begin immediately afterwards.
"The project will take 18 months to complete but by the summer of 2005, this problem will be consigned to history."
Mr Frank Nolan, chairman of the Irish Water Safety Council and the Newtown and Guillamene Swimming Club in Tramore, says water quality in the bay has improved in recent months but he stressed the need for further work to ensure the water stays safe.
"The main problem is generally at the Elizabeth Cove pier. The waste falls down into the cove, where there is a large pump. It is normally pumped from the cove. However, during bad weather, the pumps are unable to cope, so it has to be gradually released, frequently forcing the cancellation of swimming and life-saving lessons . . . My main concern now is the small river flowing into the sea at the Guillamene. This runs through various fields en route to the sea and it may pick up pollutants."