‘Sea lettuce’ on beaches may cost council €1.5m

AN algae which had plagued beaches in west Cork could cost €1.5 million – unless a use for the “sea lettuce” can be found.

Cash-strapped Cork County Council officials are anxiously awaiting a response from the Environment Minister to their pleas for help dealing with the algae, which has blighted beaches at Inchydoney and Ring along with Harbour View and Coolmaine, both near Kilbrittain.

A taskforce set up by the council has sent a report to Minister John Gormley on the problem, which is causing serious concern in the region.