Councillor questions Lough Ree water quality following toxic algae reports

By Rebekah O'Reilly

Concerns about water quality in Lough Ree and major rivers in the region have been raised at a recent meeting of Athlone-Moate Municipal District.

Cllr John Gibbons asked for an update on the condition of Lough Ree and surrounding waterways, following a prolonged dry spell and reports of toxic algae in the lake.

In response, the Council Executive said the latest status available for Lough Ree is from the EU Water Framework Directive (WDF) 2019-2024 monitoring period, which classifies the lake as having ‘Moderate’ status and being ‘Not at Risk’ of failing to achieve WFD objectives.

The Shannon Upper 110, an inflowing watercourse to Lough Ree, is classified as ‘Poor’ in status and ‘At Risk’ of failing to achieve WFD objectives, it noted.

"Lough Ree is subject to ongoing monitoring throughout the year as part of the annual WFD Monitoring Programme, undertaken by Westmeath County Council in partnership with Longford and Roscommon County Councils.

"While it is not included in Westmeath County Council's Bathing Water Monitoring Programme, unconfirmed reports of toxic algal blooms received in August prompted the Council to issue precautionary public notices through its website and social media channels"

The Executive added that warning signage has been erected at public access points around Lough Ree, "advising against swimming and preventing dogs from accessing the water for drinking".

It said monitoring of the situation continued and "once it was satisfied that there was no residual evidence of the cyanobacteria", the restriction was removed in consultation with the HSE.

Chemistry results for monitored watercourses and lakes are available through the catchments.ie website, the Council said.