CLEAN WATER, fresh air and a litter-free environment are basic requirements in a modern society. Failure to deliver on such services diminishes the quality of life for everyone and affects public confidence. That is why local authorities have a particular duty in these difficult economic times to ensure that citizens can enjoy their physical surroundings to the maximum extent. There should be no excuse for polluted beaches and a dirty, rubbish-strewn environment.
Exceptionally fine weather brought families to the seaside in large numbers over the bank holiday weekend. That trend has continued. But little or no provision has been made by some local authorities to clean up the beaches. Fingal County Council is a particular offender and, in response to public complaints, replied that resources were not available. It is not good enough. This council presides over the worst-quality bathing water in the State and accounted for four of the nine beaches that failed to meet EU mandatory standards last year. To add insult to public injury, those same beaches are now becoming cluttered with rubbish.
Minister for the Environment John Gormley has advised local authorities to prioritise the protection of water quality and their beaches. And the prospect of lifting a Government moratorium on hiring seasonal cleaning staff has been raised. It should not have come to this. Once again, the needs and convenience of the service providers, rather than the requirements of the end user, have been allowed to take precedence.
In spite of extensive investment in sewage treatment works, the number of recognised Blue Flag beaches has continued to fall. And while Mr Gormley blamed overflows from treatment works for the deterioration, because of last year’s very heavy rainfall, it is not that simple. The Environment Protection Agency has spoken of “inadequate or malfunctioning sewage infrastructure” as the underlying cause. In that regard, Seapoint in Dublin did not even apply for Blue Flag status because of water quality issues.
At a time when the tourism industry is experiencing difficulties and the number of foreign visitors is falling, it is vitally important that we protect and enhance our seaside attractions. Seventy-seven beaches still qualify for Blue Flag status and our bathing water quality is generally high. There is much to be cheerful about. An upgraded sewage plant at Balbriggan will help to improve Fingal water quality. But people should not have to wade through rubbish to get to the sea.
