Optimism is to be encouraged. But looking only on the positive side can have negative consequences, particularly where water pollution and public amenities are concerned. Ireland has been blessed by generous rainfall and relatively clean water. Farming practices and growing populations are, however, taking their toll and it is now unsafe to swim at some public beaches. The fact that nine out of ten designated bathing places reached EU quality standards in 2014 is reassuring. But it should not be allowed to disguise a slowly deteriorating situation.
Ten years ago, the Environmental Protection Agency complained that raw sewage was being pumped into rivers and estuaries by local authorities because treatment plants were unable to cope with the rapid pace of urban development. That situation has continued. The result is that seven designated bathing places in high-amenity areas have been declared unsafe for swimming while a further 10 remain vulnerable to episodes of pollution. Most of the beaches involved have been long-term offenders.
The good news is that the offending local authorities and Irish Water are now drawing up plans to improve water quality at the beaches concerned. That represents a significant advance and may be attributed to the 50 per cent sewage treatment element of the new water charge. In the past, sewage management by local authorities was appalling, with inadequate investment, training, sampling and record keeping. In their efforts to contain costs and limit possible negative publicity, local authorities refused to adopt EU public amenity norms and increase the number of officially designated beaches to 160. The number now stands at 136. In these cases, local councils are required to provide lifeguards, water quality testing and cleaning services.
After farmers, local authorities are the main water polluters. The discharge of raw sewage into rivers brings on boil water notices and public sickness. Family illness, following a day at the seaside, can be more insidious. All of our public beaches should be made safe for swimming.