Water Quality at the Burrow Beach Sutton

The recent report from the Environmental Protection Agency about the failure of Sutton Burrow Beach to meet minimum EU water quality standards yet again in 2010 are extremely disappointing. The water at the Burrow beach has failed to meet these minimum standards in 2005, 2009 and 2010. This is despite major work carried out by the Council to divert foul water from the nose of Howth to the treatment plant at Ringsend.

When I raised this failure of Burrow Beach to meet these standards for 2010 with Fingal County Council last September 1st the Council outlined the necessity for central government to sanction funding for the Dublin Bay Contract 5.2 which includes measures to upgrade pump stations in the area.

Sutton Burrow Beach is a major attraction for families, tourists and visitors during the summer months and it is essential that the government provide the necessary funding to ensure that water quality meets the EU minimum standards required at the very least. Blue Flag status for the beach should then be pursued vigorously by the Council.

I have submitted a motion to the May Council meeting asking the manager to outline what action the Council is taking to ensure that this beach meets minimum EU water quality standards in 2011.