Farmers have rejected claims that agricultural pollution was responsible for the deterioration in water quality which led to the loss of Blue Flag status for Keem Beach on Achill Island, Co Mayo.
Mr Tom Fadian, chairman of Mayo IFA's sheep committee, said yesterday that there was a very low stocking density for sheep on Croaghaun Mountain, which overlooks Keem Bay.
The area had been subjected to severe destocking under the Commonage Framework Plan, said Mr Fadian.
Responding to claims by Mr Peter Hynes, director of services with Mayo County Council, that rain must have washed surface agricultural waste from the hill into the bay at Keem, Mr Fadian said this theory did not stand up.
The 350 hectares which slope towards the bay were restricted to 250 to 260 sheep. These numbers were not present all year round. "It is impossible for such a small number of animals to cause such a large scale problem," said Mr Fadian.
Keem was one of three beaches in Mayo to lose Blue Flag recognition last week because of deteriorating water quality. The water failed to meet the standards for "faecal coliforms".
Mayo County Council pointed out that there were no council sewage plants near Keem Bay, and that agricultural activity was the most likely cause of the problem.