Madam, - With reference to Liam Reid's report of June 2nd that the EU has launched infringement proceedings against Ireland for Waterford County Council's failure to designate Tramore Pier as a bathing area, we wish to make the following points.
In 2000 and 2001 our group sought help from the European Commission to try to stop sewage pollution ruining Tramore Pier. We furnished documentary proof to the EU that swimming has been enjoyed at the pier for over 140 years. It is a much loved resource where generations of children and teenagers have learned to swim and lifesave every summer for a nominal fee with Irish Water Safety.
The lessons had to be abandoned in 2000 and 2001 because the sewage pollution there became too acute. Highlighting the issue and European pressure led to improvements in the last two summers and the swimmers returned to the pier.
Before the last General Election we canvassed support for the pier with local politicians. We sought assurances that the pier would be included in any new sewage treatment plant. Our local TD and now Minister for the Environment, Mr Martin Cullen, confirmed to us that he used to swim in the pier himself in his youth and agreed that it was "nonsense" to suggest that the pier was not a bathing area. He said he would try to protect the pier.
Recently, Ms Karin Dubsky of Coastwatch raised the issue on Morning Ireland. In response to her concerns the retiring Waterford County Manager, Mr Donal Connolly, suggested that the pier was not necessary for swimming. A great many people in Tramore were very angry at Mr Connolly's comments.
His attitude explains why our group had to seek help from Brussels to protect our treasured resource from the wilful blindness of the county council. There are rumours that wealthy business people in the environs want a marina for the town. Could it be that the decks are being cleared of swimmers to make way for a flotilla of fibre glass? It's looking very like that. - Yours, etc.,
ÁINE SWIFT, Tramore Bay Conservation Group, Tramore, Co Waterford.