Editorial: Kilkenny's bathing area woes are a total disaster

It’s a shocking state of affairs that in the height of summer, with more good weather on the way, Kilkenny’s traditional bathing spots have had swimming restrictions and prohibitions imposed.

There are only five areas in Kilkenny where each summer, from June until the end of August, trained lifeguards are in place to supervise bathers. They are: The Weir at Bleach Road and Bishopsmeadows in Kilkenny City, The Weir Swimming Pool in Thomastown, Inistioge, and the River Barrow quay in Graignamanagh.

Last week, the council warned that swimming at the two city areas was prohibited following advice from Public Health Officials, as a result of failed water quality tests showing high levels of bacteria present. It wasn’t for the first time this summer.
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Now, this week, bathing restrictions have also been advised in Graignamanagh, Inistioge and Thomastown, following a recommendation by Public Health Officials. The Nore Swim has already been postponed, and a summer of swimming has gone a-begging.

What does this say about us, and the state of our rivers? The source of the pollution seems unknown. Is there discharge of sewage into the water?Run-off of agricultural waste from land? It is time Ireland seriously gets to grip with how it treats its rivers.

The people of Kilkenny should be able to bathe in and enjoy their public water areas like anyone else. And — it’s not just ruining the fun for people during the hot summer months. These rivers are teeming with life — important biodiversity zones that are becoming inhospitable to the many fish, invertebrates and other creatures which inhabit them. What a total disaster.

WELL DONE PRIDE
Kilkenny embraced diversity in a celebratory way last weekend, hosting its first-ever Pride parade.
It was about more than rainbow flags and marching —it was about community, recognition, and welcome for all. Well done to organisers and all who took part.