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It has been a great summer in Killarney but, unfortunately, there was some bad news for the town this week. Following investigations on Lough Leane, Kerry County Council has once again identified algal growth along the shoreline of Killarney’s biggest lake.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the council revealed that “precautionary signage” will be erected at various locations around Lough Leane.

“Those who frequent the shoreline are being advised to exercise caution and not to allow dogs to enter the water. There are indications of further warm and humid conditions which may give rise to further algal blooms at other shoreline locations. Kerry County Council will continue to monitor this very closely.

“It should be stressed however that Lough Leane is currently considered to be in very good condition and that the development of algal growths is due to the exceptionally warm weather that has been experienced over the last few weeks.”

In 2016, a major outbreak of algae was linked to the death of a number of dogs and locals are rightly worried that the latest outbreak could pose a similar threat.

The newly erected signs will warn people to stay away from the blue/green scum.

KERRY COUNTY COUNCIL

DURING THE MONTHS OF MAY TO SEPTEMBER PERIOD AN ALGAL BLOOM OR DARKISH SCUM MAY APPEAR ON OR CLOSE TO THE SHORELINE.

PLEASE EXERCISE CAUTION:

• YOU ARE ADVISED TO AVOID CONTACT WITH THIS BLOOM/SCUM AS IT MAY CAUSE SKIN IRRITATION

KEEP ALL DOGS AWAY FROM THE WATER AND SHORELINE SC