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Call for action to protect Killarney lakes water quality
Call for action to protect Killarney lakes water quality

Kerry TD Michael Cahill has called for urgent steps to protect water quality in Lough Leane and Muckross Lake following recent algae blooms.
The Fianna Fáil deputy raised the issue through a Parliamentary Question after Kerry County Council erected warning signage around affected areas.
In a Ministerial response, it was confirmed that the EPA maintains an open compliance investigation into the Killarney Wastewater Treatment Plant, which remains on the agency's Priority Areas List. While Uisce Éireann has begun strategic assessments for a major upgrade, construction work is not projected to finish until after 2030.
Deputy Cahill expressed concern over the timeframe, stating that interim improvements must be implemented while long-term works are progressed. He stressed that delays risk harming the local environment, biodiversity, and tourism economy.
The response also confirmed that Lough Leane and Muckross Lake are included in the Ross Bay Priority Area for Action under the Water Action Plan 2024. Deputy Cahill urged continued collaboration between Kerry County Council, the EPA, Uisce Éireann, agricultural bodies, and local communities to safeguard the lakes.

