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Tolka pollution causes concern

Wednesday, 02 September 2009

DUBLIN City Council has been offered assistance in tackling ongoing pollution problems in the River Tolka which could potentially pose a public health risk. At one stage, levels of the harmful E-Coli bacteria along the banks of the river were found to be up to a hundred times above the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standard for bathing. The findings were revealed by CLARITY researchers at the National Centre for Sensor Research (NCSR) in DCU. CLARITY, the Centre for Sensor Web Technologies, is a partnership between University College Dublin and Dublin City University, supported by research at the Tyndall National Institute (TNI) Cork. The National Centre for Sensor Research is a world renowned, large-scale, multidisciplinary research facility focused on the science and applications of chemical sensors and biosensors. Late last year a pipe discharging raw domestic sewage into the Tolka was discovered by CLARITY researchers near the Botanic Gardens, which contributed to contamination levels along with other environmental factors. Despite the fact that Dublin City Council has since taken steps to rectify the problem at this location, samples taken from the river last month show that bacterial contamination levels remain high. CLARITY researchers believe that contamination of the Tolka is a potential threat to human health as the river runs through the recreational area of Griffith Park. “The river Tolka is not a bathing area but is very easily accessible to the public as it goes through the Botanic Gardens and the recreational area of Griffith park, which is popular with families,” said a CLARITY spokesperson. “That is why we look at the river using bathing water parameters.” CLARITY also warned of the dangers of allowing pet dogs to swim in the river as they could bring dangerous levels of bacteria into homes. According to CLARITY, numerous members of the public expressed their concern about the water quality to researchers while they were taking samples from the river in Griffith Park. One woman claimed that her child was hospitalised with a bacteria related condition for two months after she accidentally fell into the river. Preliminary studies by the same researchers into the Dodder and Liffey found that contamination levels for E-Coli were again higher than EPA standard levels. The Liffey is not recommended for swimming but there are numerous water-related events occurring there, such as the upcoming Liffey Swim and the Liffey Descent. CLARITY and the NCSR said they would very much welcome the opportunity to partner with Dublin City Council to investigate ongoing contamination of our waterways. Dublin City Council was sent a copy of CLARITY’s report by Northside People. A spokesperson said the local authority had noted the report but it was not possible to reply adequately to the issues raised in the time afforded. The spokesperson added that their Water Pollution Control Section monitors and tests the water in the Tolka regularly. “Our Water Pollution Control Section is willing to discuss any issues directly with CLARITY and would welcome the opportunity to do so,” he stated. “It should be noted that the Tolka discharges into Dublin Bay at Dollymount Strand. Dollymount Strand again attained Blue Flag status this year. “The criteria for this is very strict and it includes a high standard of bathing water. We would also point out that the Tolka is not designated for bathing.”