Algae pollution could force tourists from famous Killarney lakes

ONE of the country’s top tourist destinations is facing a pollution crisis, as fears grow of an algal bloom on the world famous lakes of Killarney.

The biggest of the lakes has been severely hit by phosphorous pollution in the past and scientists fear it will strike again this summer. For the first time in six years, Lough Leane could develop a highly toxic algal bloom, Kerry County Council warned yesterday.

Should the situation escalate, it is feared that visitors will have to stay away from lakeshore to avoid poisoning.