CONCERNS are growing about the condition of the much-loved Atlantic Pond, with one city councillor describing the current state of the amenity as 'a nightmare.'

Elected members have called for an investigation into the upkeep of the pond after complaints emerged about the condition of the water and plant life in the area.

The area is a popular route for walkers and runners and is at the heart of a new multi-million investment into the city's marina area.

Work began on the Marina Park project in May, with the first phase of the park expected to be open to the public by 2019 after a €7 million investment.

In the face of this redevelopment, city councillors have called on the local authority to step up its efforts in relation to the Atlantic Pond.

Fianna Fáil representative Tim Brosnan said, "I went for a walk around the Atlantic Pond and I was appalled at the state of it.

"What is going on down there is a disaster. The vegetation has been destroyed. You can see every single bird nesting on the island - the place looks like a nightmare."

In recent weeks, flooding issues were reported at the pond, with water spilling onto the adjacent walkways.

Grassy areas became impassable due to flooding, though an intervention by Cork City Council located and resolved the issue, which was connected to a water valve which is designed to prevent water from the River Lee entering the pond.

It was one of a number of issues reported in the area this year, with Sinn Féin councillor Shane O'Shea submitting complaints about the condition of the water in January.

He said, "It still isn't fully resolved, six months later. The water is a dark, minty grey - it is totally inappropriate when people are down there walking."

City officials said that the issue in January related to pollution flowing from the river. It 'wasn't possible' to identify a source at the time, according to a spokesperson.

It was confirmed that a report is due on the workings of the pond.