Funding bid for septic tank upgrade on West Cork island

Funding is being sought for upgrade works to a septic tank at Cape Clear Island’s North Harbour and the introduction of water quality monitoring in the area.

The issue was raised in a motion by Social Democrats councillor Isobel Towse at a recent meeting of Cork County Council’s West Cork Municipal District. The motion proposed by Ms Towse asked: “That Cork County Council will provide funding for the upgrade of the septic tank at North Harbour, Cape Clear, with a view to improving water quality at the popular swimming spot.”

Ms Towse said the issue was now of particular importance because no swimming signs have been erected at the island’s South Harbour due to access and safety issues because of a crumbling wall. 

NO SWIMMING

Ms Towse said water monitoring at South Harbour has been suspended, leaving the island with no swimming area where water quality is being monitored.

She said she has been working with local people to try to secure funding to upgrade a septic tank at North Harbour that is connected to public toilets. She said the tank has an outflow into the harbour and it is important that it is upgraded as the area is a popular swimming location. She added that water quality monitoring should be introduced at North Harbour.

Responding for the council, senior staff officer Eimear O’Neill said: “This wastewater system is privately owned and, therefore, falls outside the remit of Cork County Council. While the council has an agreement in place regarding the provision of public toilet facilities, any matter relating to the wastewater system remain the responsibility of the Comharchumann Chléire Teoranta.

“Cork County Council remains committed to supporting Comharchumann Chléire Teoranta and is happy to assist, where appropriate, in local or national funding applications. The council will consider options regarding the future provision of toilet facilities on the island.”

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.