Bearna Beo

Owing to recent concerns regarding water pollution in the sea off Bearna, it is imperative that we protect ourselves and our three beautiful beaches from any similar issues by having them designated as official bathing areas.

Bearna Pier beach captured from Mags Boreen at low tide (Co Galway).

In doing so, Galway County Council would then have to include them in regular monitoring for safety and water quality. They have recently invited suggestions of new places that should be designated.

Unbelievably, despite their popularity, none of the three Bearna beaches are considered official bathing areas - Mags Boreen, Bearna Pier, and Bearna Pier Beach. We can change this by emailing Galway County Council (details below).

Under European and Irish law, County Councils are required to designate official bathing areas in their area every year. The local authorities are obliged to prepare detailed descriptions or profiles for each of the designated bathing areas that describe not just the bathing area but also areas in the surface waters catchment area that could be a source of pollution. The profiles include an assessment of the risk of pollution and what action would be taken in the event that pollution occurs.

Recently, a pump in the pumping station behind the Supervalu development broke down and all sewage had to be taken by tanker out of the village. There were complaints that there was a terrible smell coming from the pier.

*****TO MAKE THE CASE FOR BEARNA'S BEACHES: submit your request to the Environment Section of Galway County Council: (091) 509510 or environment@galwaycoco.ie.*****

Ask that our three beaches be designated as new bathing areas. Also state:

• How popular the sites are
• What facilities (or lack of) exist and how (in)accessible they are;
• Any safety issues.

Existing designated beaches in County Galway (including Furbo and Spiddal): http://www.galway.ie/…/environmental…/beaches/listofbeaches/

More information: http://www.galway.ie/…/environ…/beaches/publicparticipation/

Local Beaches Need Official Status to Allay Future Pollution Concerns

Owing to recent concerns regarding water pollution in the sea off Bearna, it is imperative that we protect ourselves and our three beautiful beaches from any similar issues by having them designated as official bathing areas.

In doing so, Galway County Council would then have to include them in regular monitoring for safety and water quality. They have recently invited suggestions of new places that should be designated.