Sea lettuce creating health and safety concerns at beaches in Cork

Sea lettuce in Robert's Cove has become particularly acute where tonnes of it was cleared last Friday by Cork County Council staff. 

Concerns have been raised that some beaches in Co Cork may have to close due to a plague of sea lettuce which is causing health and safety concerns by attracting swarms of flies and causing a stink.

The hot weather, combined with a runoff of nitrates-based fertilisers into the sea, has led to a major issue at some beaches.