It’s algae time again

THE invasion of one of the Lakes of Killarney — Lough Lein — by a noxious algae is now as much a harbinger of summer as the far more welcome return of swallows to the Muckross shore. 

Warning signs are again in place and people are urged not to come in contact with the water or allow dogs to do so. Already this week one dog has died after coming into contact with algal scum on the water.

This is a recurring problem of many years standing and is a consequence of many contributory factors, all of which lead to the over-enrichment of the lake.

Decades of over-loading by phosphates from domestic and business waste, agriculture and forestry means the lake, one that should be cherished rather than treated as a bottomless septic tank has become symbolic of our indifference to environmental responsibility.

Lough Lein is not alone; many water courses around the country are similarly neglected if not abused.

One of the major factors is an overloaded water treatment plant in Killarney. Surely it’s time we faced up to our obligations and did a lot more to protect our precious water resources.