Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 July 2026
368. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to urgently investigate the algae formation on Lough Leane and Muckross Lake, Killarney, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54435/26]
View answerIn light of the current and on-going weather conditions, as a precaution Kerry County Council has erected signage at a number of locations along the shores of Lough Leane and Muckross Lake to advise members of the public of the potential for an algal growth in the water and on the shoreline. Members of the public are advised not to bathe in water if there are visible signs of algal growth in the vicinity. They are also advised to ensure that they keep their dogs under control as such algal accumulations can be harmful on ingestion by small animals. While the overall levels of algae are not of concern at the moment, Kerry County Council have received reports of localised transient accumulations of algae at a small number of locations along the shoreline. The situation is being monitored closely on an ongoing basis by Kerry County Council.
According to the latest information from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Muckross Lake is at High Ecological Status, while Lough Leane is at Moderate Ecological Status and is not meeting its Water Framework Directive (WFD) objectives because the condition of the fish populations is not as it should be. All other parameters monitored under the WFD are satisfactory. Ross Bay, which is a small part of Lough Leane, is also at Moderate Ecological Status. Excess nutrients from the poorly performing Killarney Wastewater treatment plant is a contributing factor. The discharge from the plant flows into the Folly stream, which in turn discharges into Ross Bay. Given the continued identification of the Killarney Wastewater Treatment Plant as a significant pressure on the Folly Stream, the EPA has an open compliance investigation in relation to these matters and has sought clear plans and timeframes from Uisce Éireann in relation to the WWTP and discharges. The EPA has also placed Killarney Wastewater Treatment Plant on the Priority Areas List.
Uisce Éireann has advised that they have started Stage 1 Strategic Assessment for Killarney Wastewater Treatment Plant to assess the needs and options for the long-term needs for Killarney and to improve performance in line with updated environmental legislation. This assessment will continue in 2026 and into 2027. The rationale for the proposed upgrade project is to provide capacity for long-term growth and development in the Killarney area while achieving compliance with the Wastewater Discharge Authoritisation (WWDA) and not inhibiting the receiving waters from achieving WFD objectives. Given the scale and likely complexity of the works to be undertaken, the construction as part of any longer-term project will not be completed within the current Revenue Control period RC4 (2025 -2029). This is the regulatory and funding framework established by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU). The investment plan and the project progression will continue into the following RC5 (2030-2034) investment cycle. In advance of any upgrade project, Uisce Éireann are progressing planned capital maintenance and replacement works on the site in order to maintain the performance and continued WWDA compliance.
Lough Leane and Muckross Lake are also part of the Ross Bay Priority Area for Action (PAA) under the Water Action Plan 2024. Priority Areas for Action designated under the Water Action Plan are areas where work to restore and protect water bodies will be focused under the 3rd cycle, capturing the full extent of the work being undertaken in catchments that contributes to achieving water quality outcomes by a range of stakeholders. The River Basin Management Service, formerly known as the Local Authority Waters Programme, and which is funded by my Department, intends to carry out Local Catchment Assessments in this PAA in 2027.
In the case where agricultural activities are identified as causing a pressure on a waterbody the River Basin Management Service issue a referral to the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme (ASSAP) made up of farm advisors from Teagasc and the farm co-operatives. The ASSAP works collaboratively with the River Basin Management Service to identify issues and target areas for the implementation of measures on agricultural land. The Deenagh river drains into Lough Leane with work completed in the Deenagh PAA during the 2nd cycle. Referrals have been issued to ASSAP, and the PAA has been expanded for the 3rd cycle. The River Basin Management Service’s Communities team in Kerry continues to engage with local groups with the aim of protecting and restoring water quality in the area.
