A Kerry County Councillor says alleged pollution in the Sneem estuary must be investigated.
Cllr Patrick Connor-Scarteen says he's been shown evidence of pollution in the estuary, and locals are very concerned.
Irish Water maintains the pollution is not coming from the Sneem wastewater treatment plant, which it says is operating well.
Cllr Connor-Scarteen tabled a motion at the recent Kenmare Municipal District meeting, requesting assurance from Irish Water that no effluent is being discharged from the wastewater treatment plant into the estuary in Sneem.
His motion follows reports from constituents that regular pollution is occurring.
The reply to his motion from Irish Water stated that the plant is operating well, has no treatment deficiencies or mechanical failures.
It said Irish Water Operations investigated this issue and confirmed there are no operational or malfunctional issues with the plant or the pump station at Sneem.
The plant is currently licenced by the Environmental Protection Agency and was compliant with the emission limit values set out in its wastewater discharge licence last year and to date this year.
Martin O'Donoghue, Municipal District manager, said the assessments done to date all indicate the pollution is not from the treatment plant, but he agreed there's a need to investigate it further.
Cllr Connor-Scarteen said Sneem is one of the jewels of the Ring of Kerry, and water quality is essential for locals and tourists alike.
He urged the council to liaise with Irish Water to find out where the pollution is coming from, if it's not coming from the plant.
