LAHINCH is getting ready to welcome thousands of people for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open this week and have asked people to Think Before You Flush.
It’s a campaign to encourage people to be aware of what they flush as many items can cause blockages in waterways that cause flooding.
Irish Water, in partnership with An Taisce’s Clean Coasts and Clare County Council, is encouraging locals and visitors alike to ‘Think Before You Flush’ and help protect West Clare’s precious marine environment.
It is estimated that the event will generate additional water demand of about 100 cubic metres per day – enough to make more than 1.2 million cups of tea over the course of the weekend.
In the months leading up to the Irish Open, Irish Water experts have been working with partners in Clare County Council and the event organisers to ensure the water and wastewater infrastructure is in place to handle this additional load and to safeguard the water supply.
As well as providing a reliable supply of water, all the wastewater must then be collected and treated before it can be returned safely to the environment.
Maurice Hourigan, Irish Water’s Operations Lead for Clare, commented: “An event such as the Irish Open is dependent on having the necessary water and wastewater capacity in place to meet the big increase in demand on the network. We have been working closely with the organisers since last year to ensure that our network can meet their needs and we are pleased to be able to play our part in helping support this landmark event.
“In addition to making provision for the additional wastewater load, over 2km of old water mains have been replaced over recent months in Ennistymon, Liscannor and Doonbeg. This will ensure a more robust, secure and reliable water supply in the area now and for many years to come.” he said.
The Think Before You Flush campaign is operated by An Taisce’s Clean Coasts programme in partnership with Irish Water. For more information visit www.thinkbeforeyouflush.org.
Items such as ear buds, wet wipes, sanitary towels and tampons are just some of the items that should never be flushed.
