Authority to seek expert help to save beach from sea lettuce

A LOCAL authority is to seek help from experts in an effort to stop an algal growth destroying one of West Cork’s finest beaches.

The algae, known as sea lettuce, has infested the Blue Flag-accredited Inchydoney beach to such an extent that Cork Co Council “is spending a fortune” trying to keep it at bay.

Council officials said there was no simple solution to the problem.

They have taken the unusual step, following representations from An Taisce, to remove the internationally-recognised Blue Flag from the beach, near Clonakilty, during a period of high sea lettuce growth.

The flag is awarded to beaches deemed to be some of the cleanest in Europe.

Tonnes of sea lettuce have been removed to a nearby farm in recent weeks.

However, a report issued to councillors in the western division yesterday described the action as a short-term measure. Officials said the council couldn’t continue to fund the sea lettuce removal on a long-term basis due to cost.

The issue was highlighted at the council western committee meeting in Clonakilty by Cllr Christopher O’Sullivan.

The councillor said he was concerned that previous efforts to dispose of the algae by floating it out into the channel near Ring were causing difficulties for swimmers and boat-users.

Cllr O’Sullivan (FF) maintained that a specialist beach-cleaning machine should be used to clear the sea lettuce, but was told by assistant county manager Theresa White that it wouldn’t be able to cope with the volume.

“It is probably the biggest asset we have in the area – the beach,” Cllr O’Sullivan said. “It doesn’t seem to be as busy as other summers. Maybe the tourists are staying away because of the problem.”

His party colleague Cllr Donal O’Rourke suggested the council contact the Department of Environment for assistance.

“I know our engineering staff are doing their damndest to address it but it’s a serious and very complex problem,” he said.

Cllr John O’Sullivan (FG) described the situation on the beach as “an environmental crisis” and said a long-term solution to the problem was needed.

The assistant county manager said the council had its own experts working on the problem, but added she was prepared to ask for outside help.