Delay in finalising treatment plant ‘risks town’s tourism’

The delay in Co Cork of a further major public scheme could have a significant impact on tourism in a seaside town.

All sewage pipes have been laid in Youghal, but the development of the treatment plant they were to be hooked up to has been deferred as the Department of the Environment has not issued a foreshore licence.

Junior minister Paudie Coffey said the reason was his department had sought additional information on the project from Irish Water last December and was still awaiting a response.

The town’s beaches have taken a hammering in recent years with swimming bans put in place due to untreated sewage flowing into the harbour. Youghal lost Blue Flag status on its Claycastle and Front Strand beaches in 2011. The following year, during the peak tourist period of August, the county council was forced to ban bathing on the Front Strand on advice from the HSE after e.coli bacteria levels rose well above EU-permitted safety levels.

When they began to dip, the then mayor of County Cork Cllr Barbara Murray took a swim to try and encourage visitors back into the water. Rain storms have often been responsible for washing the bacteria, contained in slurry, from intensive farming areas along the River Blackwater into Youghal bay.

But the Environmental Protection Agency has also pointed out raw human sewage flowing into the bay is a significant problem. This will not be rectified until the sewage treatment plant is operational.

In a Dáil reply to Youghal-based deputy Sandra McLellan, the minister said that “depending on the specific additional information provided, the consultation period of this application may need to be extended.”

“Following completion of the consultation phase, the Marine Licence Vetting Committee, who advise on foreshore consent applications, will then finalise its report and recommendations prior to the application being submitted for my determination,” said Mr Coffey.

The Sinn Féin TD voiced her concerns in the delay of issuing the contracts for the waste water treatment plant.

“I asked Minister Paudie Coffey why a foreshore license was not issued. I am still awaiting a satisfactory reply, though was assured that the Department of the Environment was treating the issue as a priority case.

“I hope the matter is treated as a matter of urgency in practice as well as in words as the Government must realise the extent to which this delay might impact on Youghal,” Deputy McLellan said.

“Youghal is a popular seaside town, and it is of huge importance that our beaches are safe for people to enjoy,” she added.

The town has no Blue Flag beaches left and until water quality improves with the addition of a sewage treatment plant it has no chance of getting such status back.

“I urge the Government to grant the foreshore license as soon as is feasible and ensure the Youghal Sewage Treatment Plant is up and running. Water quality is of vital importance for locals and tourists alike and I would hate to think our town could be affected by any delay that might hold up the construction of the treatment plant,” she said.

The news comes on top of delays to the flood relief scheme in Bandon, due to a court case being taken against the Office of Public Works.