Use of phosphate-free cleaning agents urged to protect lakes

AS the tourist season reaches its peak, the industry in Killarney was yesterday urged to use phosphate-free cleaning agents to protect the world-famous lakes, a renowned scenic attraction.

Hotels, bed and breakfasts, restaurants, pubs and even private householders are all being urged to be careful about the detergents and liquids they use.

Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce executive Jerry O’Grady appealed to all involved in the hospitality industry who have not yet fully changed over to ecolab phosphate-free cleaning agents, to do so without delay.

There are ongoing concerns about the state of scenic Lough Lein, which is regarded as Killarney’s main tourist attraction.

Mr O’Grady said that while there was evidence of improvement in the water quality in Lough Lein, there was also evidence of naturally occurring phosphates finding their way into the lake.

“It is imperative that everyone in the Lough Lein catchment and Killarney Valley between Glenflesk, Kilcummin and Killarney, should take stock of the cleaning agents they are using and change to phosphate-free products to protect one of Killarney’s greatest social and economic assets,” he stressed.

“If a building falls down it can be reconstructed, but if Lough Lein dies it will be well nigh impossible to restore it.”

Mr O’Grady represents Killarney Chamber on the Lough Lein Management Committee which has examined sources of pollution in the lake and is seeking to address problems that have bedeviled the lake for more than 30 years.

Also, Killarney Chamber recently met officials from Kerry County Council and Killarney Town Council to discuss the water supply within Killarney and the wider county.

The meeting was held in the light of recent difficulties with the water supplies in Galway and Ennis.

The meeting was both positive and productive and chamber members left the meeting feeling that the issue of water quality in Kerry is being effectively dealt with by the local authorities.

“Firm plans are in place and being implemented to assure the ongoing quality of drinking water for Killarney and the wider county” said a chamber statement.