Businesses in Kilkee are up in arms over the closure of the beach, saying it has resulted in a significant drop in trade.
Six days on, a swimming ban which was put in place at the popular west Clare tourist hotspot last week remains in place.
It was caused by an electrical fault at the local watewater treatment station which resulted in the discharge of raw sewage into the Victoria stream.
Tests have been carried out, but Clare County Council has today said that following HSE advice, swimming will continue to be prohibited until further notice.
Local businessman Johnny Redmond of the Strand Hotel has been telling Clare FM’s Fiona Cahill that Kilkee has been a ghost town since the issue arose, and he says the local business community wants answers:
The Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council has addressed the issue on Clare FM’s Main Lunchtime news.
Independent Councillor Tom Mc Namara says the level of upset in West Clare is understandable.
Statement from Clare County Council:
Clare County Council, on the advice of the Health Service Executive (HSE), has confirmed that public bathing notices and red flags indicating that swimming is prohibited at Kilkee beach will remain in place until further notice. Resumption of swimming will be recommended when water quality test results return within bathing water quality limits.
