A CAMPAIGN to improve water quality at Cape Clear Island’s North Harbour is gathering momentum, with calls made to upgrade the wastewater system of a public toilet.

Cllr Isobel Towse (SD) has been working with the local community co-op, Comharchumann Chléire Teo, and residents to rally Cork County Council for funding to upgrade a septic tank, linked to the public toilet at the island’s main harbour.

The move is to prevent potential future sewage leaks into the water at the harbour beach, used as a popular swimming spot.

Last year, the island’s South Harbour beach was designated a ‘No Swim’ zone over safety issues after water tests found excessive levels of bacteria in the water.   

Cllr Towse said at a recent meeting of the West Cork Municipal District: ‘I believe the council has a level of responsibility. There is an issue with the water quality at North Harbour. I hope that it will be addressed and that it could be a safe swimming spot.’

Cllr Towse asked the council to look at possible grants or other funding sources for the tank upgrade. She said she was also working with residents towards An Taisce’s Green Coast Award for the North Harbour swimming spot.

The award highlights Ireland’s top beaches for pristine water quality and unspoilt natural beauty through community-driven clean-ups and eco-management.

Eimear O’Neill, of Cork County Council’s Municipal District Office, said this wastewater system was privately owned and therefore fell outside the remit of Cork County Council.

She said: ‘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 any local or national funding applications. The council will also continue to consider options regarding the future provision of public toilet facilities on the island.’

In August, Cork County Council issued ‘Do Not Swim’ notices for Cape Clear’s South Harbour Beach, a summer hotspot for locals and visitors.

Routine tests found excessive bacteria levels, which prompted the Health Service Executive-backed ban to protect public health.

Kevin McCann, of Comharchumann Chléire Teo, said: ‘There is no issue with the water quality at North Harbour at the moment because it has not been tested. We are just trying to get ahead of the issue by getting the septic tank upgraded and raise funding.’