Suspected sewage leak into Liffey

An investigation is under way into a possible leak of raw sewage into the Liffey at the back of the Town Hall, writes Brian Byrne. The matter was raised by a local resident.

Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer reported the issue to Kildare County Council's environment department and directly to Uisce Éireann through their Local Representative Support Desk.

Uisce Éireann is currently liaising with the council's Wastewater Department on the suspected leak.

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Waterways in danger, hear the issues and have your say

Two upcoming online meetings about the water quality in Kildare rivers will give people information and a chance to discuss issues in the local waterways, writes Brian Byrne.

They are organised by the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO), a shared service for local authorities in water quality management which coordinates activities by local authorities and public bodies, provides catchment science and management, and helps with community engagement and support.

According to the organisation's Aoife McGrath, 'unprecedented times' are making clear the effects of climate change and loss of biodiversity in the water quality of our rivers. "This will have knock-on effects for our health and wellbeing," she warns.

The meetings are are scheduled for (North) Kildare on Monday 28 February at 7:30pm and (South) Kildare on Wednesday 2 March at 7.30pm. "These meetings will provide vital information on the Draft River Basin Management Plan for Ireland 2022-2027, and there will be a questions and answers session and a discussion on local issues."

Agencies responsible for protecting Ireland’s rivers have found that agriculture, forestry, and urban wastewater treatment are among the leading causes of pollution in our rivers, lakes, estuaries and coastal waters. “There’s a big effort involving a lot of organisations trying to pinpoint what’s happening in our rivers," says Aoife McGrath. "We need local people to help us get a better understanding."

Registration for the meetings can be done at www.lawaters.ie or via Facebook @LAWPROteam. You can contact LAWPRO’s Head office at 052 6166237. 

For information on the Draft River Basin Management plan 2022-2027 visit the virtual consultation room at LAwaters.ie.

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'No bathing' in Liffey at Kilcullen after sewage contamination

A bathing ban has been put in place on the Liffey in Kilcullen, from the area of Riverside Manor and all the way downstream, writes Brian Byrne.

The ban is necessary because of contamination by sewage overflow from Riverside Manor. The situation is being addressed by Kildare County Council and the current developer of Riverside Manor.

"It's unsafe to enter the water," says Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer, who says the developer is cooperating with the Council to rectify the matter. "Until that is done, it is unsafe to bathe downstream of the development."

Signs have been erected this morning by Kildare County Council at sections of the river where people habitually bathe or paddle during warm weather.

Meanwhile, a similar contamination of Pinkeen Stream was dealt with by the Council yesterday. In that instance it was sewage overflow from the Cnoc na Greine estate.

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