Boat sewage: 'Nobody wants to see that!'

Cork County Council has been urged to act quickly to prevent the county’s waterways from going down the tubes due to a lack of proper boat sewage facilities.

The issue surfaced during Monday’s Cork County Council meeting in a motion tabled by Fianna Fáil councillor Audrey Buckley. In her motion, Ms Buckley demanded clarity on existing regulations, bylaws, and pump-out facilities currently available to the seafaring public as more and more people take to living on boats on a long-term basis.

Cllr Buckley insisted her motion was not an attempt to target those choosing a life on the water, but rather an effort to ensure the proper, fit-for-purpose infrastructure is in place to protect the local environment. “The state of our rivers, harbours, and coastal waters has been in the media recently, and understandably so,” Cllr Buckley said.

Highlighting the recent loss of the coveted Blue Flag status at Fountainstown Beach, she expressed deep disappointment that the public can still encounter “sewage, scum, and pollution” while walking along the county’s scenic coastlines.

“Nobody wants to see that. It impacts the environment, tourism, public health, and the enjoyment of our natural amenities, as well as wildlife,” said the Carrigaline rep.

She also noted that while multiple agencies like Uisce Éireann, the Port of Cork, and Waterways Ireland have a hand in managing water quality, Cork County Council needs to take a closer look at its own backyard.

The motion was received well in the chamber, with Independent councillor Ben Dalton O'Sullivan agreeing that proper provision for boat waste is essential. Responding on behalf of the executive, Director of Services, Michael Lynch, acknowledged the issue is very much “on the radar” and confirmed the council will investigate the matter.

Cllr Buckley concluded that she would be keeping a close eye on the issue, promising to be proactive in following up with the executive.