I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing me to raise this matter and the Minister for being present in the House. For the past number of years serious problems have been caused by the defective sewerage system in Kenmare. The building of a raw sewage treatment plant has been under consideration since 1987-88. At present the sewage flows into an outdated and undersized tank and finally into the River Finnihy. The water quality in the river at the point of entry of the sewerage pipe has seriously deteriorated. The mouth of the River Finnihy is 500 yards from a popular bathing beach at the back of the pier in Kenmare. This beach is much frequented by locals and a growing number of tourists. Raw sewage, which has been seen floating in this area, poses a severe health risk to people and is an embarrassment to an area which is striving to project a clean environmental image. In addition, the sewerage system which services some 30 houses in the Killowen area is not connected to the existing town system and the sewerage flows into the estuary of the river which is adjacent to the local golf course.
Kenmare is a rapidly expanding tourist centre. A large number of private houses, guesthouses, restaurants and a new hotel have recently been developed in the area. The inadequate sewerage system is not only an embarrassment to the people of the town but is a handicap to future development. There is no excellent community group in Kenmare. These people are extremely concerned about the possible damage which will be caused to the area if immediate steps are not taken to remedy the problems caused by the inadequate sewerage system. A modern treatment plant needs to be built so that the further development of this town as a major tourist centre can proceed unhindered.
It is recognised not only in County Kerry but throughout the country that Kenmare is a pivotal area for tourism growth. I appeal to the Minister to resolve the problems beteen his Department and the county council so that the building of the new sewerage treatment plant can go ahead. As I said, Kenmare is a very important town from the point of view of tourism. The local community should be given the necessary help and support by national institutions to enable them to develop the tourism potential of the town. I again appeal to the Minister to resolve whatever problems exist between his Department and the county council so that this very embarrassing problem can be resolved. As I said, in the opinion of the local people this problem constitutes a serious health risk.
