Seals in Liscannor Bay may force rethink of Lahinch sewage plant

The presence of protected grey and harbour seals in Liscannor Bay could compel a reassessment of the proposed new sewage treatment plant serving Lahinch and Ennistymon.

The Calluragh Cregg Lahinch Wastewater Action Group, a local campaign organisation, says the environmental assessment carried out for Uisce Éireann at Cregg beach claimed the nearest haul‑out site for the seals was 80 km away at the Slyne Head islands.

However, the group argues that both seal species are resident at Cregg beach and notes that two local environmental groups have recently received Government funding to study their presence.

Oonagh O’Dwyer of the Calluragh group said the campaign has been “more or less promised” a new non‑statutory consultation process over the proposed plant and will host a public meeting in Lahinch on Friday night to outline the latest updates.

She warned that the project “will have an impact forever” and called for a “best‑in‑field” environmental study, citing the presence of protected birds, porpoises and the seals, which she described as “very endangered”.

Source: Clare Champion. Photo: Maicon Vinicius / Pexels.