Fears over popular Kilkenny events as poor water quality is put in the spotlight

Poor water quality has spread widespread concern over the viability of hosting the Graignamanagh Regatta this Bank-Holiday weekend.

Swimming advisory warnings have been put in place in Inistioge, Graignamanagh and Thomastown as a result of water quality tests.

Meanwhile, a temporary bathing prohibition at The Weir, Bleach Road and at Bishops Meadows on the outskirts of Kilkenny City which were confirmed earlier this month. - READ MORE HERE

Community Water Officer in Kilkenny Ann Phelan admitted there is a 'question mark’ over the event depending on the outcome of tests in the coming days.

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"It’s very unfortunate, especially with the time of year," Phelan remarked.

"You wouldn’t be really encouraging anybody to be getting into swim, in a situation like this," she continued, stating, "because the regatta is so centred around the River Barrow, this will have a big impact on the community over the weekend if a ban is introduced."

Fianna Fáil TD for Carlow-Kilkenny, Peter 'Chap' Cleere commented: "The river is at the heartbeat of the community. You look at Graignamanagh for example, and the river is the epicentre of the town."

"Obviously, whether it be the shops or the pubs or the restaurant, there is a huge spin off as well economically. This is definitely a setback, but at the same time, we just need to make sure that the area is safe for everybody, because we don’t want people going in and swimming and getting gastrointestinal issues."

A council spokesperson said: "An enhanced more frequent monitoring regime is now in place to monitor the water quality."

"Investigations as to the root cause of non-compliant water quality results continue and our Water Enforcement Team continues to investigate land use and discharge points into the River Nore and more recently the River Barrow," they added.

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