Council seeks funding to upgrade septic tank at Cape Clear’s North Harbour

The request was made with a view to improving water quality at the popular swimming spot

Social Democrats councillor Isobel Towse said water monitoring at South Harbour had been suspended leaving the island with no swimming area where water quality was being monitored. File picture: Larry Cummins

Funding is being sought for upgrade works to a septic tank at Cape Clear Island’s North Harbour and the introduction of water quality monitoring in the area.

The issue was raised in a motion by Social Democrats councillor Isobel Towse at a recent meeting of Cork County Council’s West Cork Municipal District. The motion proposed by Ms Towse asked: “That Cork County Council will provide funding for the upgrade of the septic tank at North Harbour, Cape Clear, with a view to improving water quality at the popular swimming spot.” 

Ms Towse said the issue was now of particular importance because no swimming signs have been erected at the island’s South Harbour due to access and safety issues because of a crumbling wall. Ms Towse said water monitoring at South Harbour had been suspended leaving the island with no swimming area where water quality was being monitored.

She said she had been working with local people to try to secure funding to upgrade a septic tank at North Harbour that is connected to public toilets. She said the tank had an outflow into the harbour and it was important that it was upgraded as the area was a popular swimming location. 

She added that water quality monitoring should also be introduced at North Harbour.

Responding for the council, senior staff officer Eimear O’Neill said: “This wastewater system is privately owned and therefore falls outside the remit of Cork County Council. While the council has an agreement in place regarding the provision of public toilet facilities, any matter relating to the wastewater system remain the responsibility of the Comharchumann Chléire Teoranta.

“Cork County Council remains committed to supporting Comharchumann Chléire Teoranta and is happy to assist, where appropriate, in any local or national funding applications. The council will also continue to consider options regarding the future provision of public toilet facilities on the island.” 

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.