Meeting to tackle West Cork’s algae

MINISTER for Environment John Gormley has agreed to meet a delegation from the Courtmacsherry area to discuss funding for a waste water treatment plant, which is seen as the only viable solution to destroying algal infestation of bays in the area.

The algae, commonly known as sea lettuce, has become prevalent in recent years in west Cork and its upsurge is being blamed on nitrates, contained in fertiliser, being discharged untreated straight into the sea.

So far this year it has cost Cork County Council nearly €90,000 to remove 4,754 tonnes of algae from beaches in the tourist haven.