COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE
Monday, June 23, 2025
MOTION NO. 7
MOTION: Councillor N. Whelan
"This committee calls on the Manager to urgently address the build up of pollutant materials in the lakes closest to Tymon Park Playground to prevent the further danger posed to the Swans and Signets who reside there?"
REPORT:
SDCC's Water Pollution Inspector carried out an inspection of the Tymon Park Lake, adjacent to the Tymon Park Playground on 9th June 2025, and met with members of Friends of the Camac, who were concerned that the swans and signets were being impacted by the water quality in the lake.
At the time of the inspection the Water Pollution Inspector noted a reduction in the flow in the upper reaches of the lake, where water was stagnating in locations particularly in the upstream section of the lake. Due to the reduced water level and exposure of the lake bed, there were sections of the lake where pollutants were more concentrated and algae was evident on the surface of the water. The lake bed was sporadically disturbed by the swans allowing the now blackened silt bed to rise and become surface bound/suspended; discolouring the algae and in turn, adhering to the swan's plumage. Once the swans moved to the deeper sections of the lake the discolouration washed off their plumage.
SDCCs Water Pollution team is acutely aware of the urban pollution pressures on the River Poddle, particularly from misconnections, and at the time of the inspection all the stormwater outfalls on the River Poddle from Greenhills Road to Tymon Park lake were inspected and there was no evidence of an unauthorised discharge at the time of the inspection.
The Council has investigated all previous pollution reports on the River Poddle, particularly in Bancroft Park where the river flow slows and discoloration of the river may be evident, however the contaminant source has frequently left the drainage system, making it extremely difficult to identify the cause of the pollution. In addition, the surface water drainage system which discharges at Bancroft Park has an extensive upstream drainage network incorporating housing and industrial estates which contributes to the difficulty of locating possible intermittent pollution sources.
Over a number of months, in 2024, SDCC's Water Pollution team carried out extensive investigations to trace pollution in the stormwater drainage network in the upstream catchment. When sources were identified, the team engaged with the senior management to cease the activities that were found to be impacting on the surface water drainage system and to implement good environmental management practices and compliance with the Water Pollution Act 1977, as amended. SDCC has not received any further complaints from these locations.
Significant work has been carried out by SDCC to improve the water quality in the County in the last number of years (e.g. through drainage check at over 5,300 houses and the identification and repair of 370 domestic misconnections, domestic wastewater treatment system inspections, agricultural surveys and pollution event responses) and this work will be bolstered by the formation of SDCC's new Natural Water Department with additional staff being recruited to manage flood risk and enhance water quality. In addition, SDCC has developed and disseminated information videos and leaflets to generate awareness of the impacts of misconnections and the importance of enhanced water quality in our rivers and will continue monitor the water quality in our urban rivers and to engage with businesses to ensure good environmental practices are maintained.