Public urged to be careful with Algal Blooms reported at Mayo lake

Mayo County Council has issued a warning after receiving reports of natural algal blooms along the shoreline of Beltra Lake.

The local authority said the ongoing spell of warm and calm weather has created ideal conditions for the blooms to develop.

Some blooms, commonly known as blue-green algae, can produce toxins which may pose a serious risk to both people and animals if ingested directly or through untreated water. Dogs are particularly vulnerable, and exposure can result in severe illness or even death.

The blooms may appear as green or blue-green streaks resembling paint on the water’s surface, or as silky scums accumulating along the shoreline.

Mayo County Council is advising members of the public to exercise caution around affected areas and to keep dogs and other animals away from the water where blooms are visible.

The council will continue to monitor the situation and has reminded the public to avoid contact with any suspected algal blooms until conditions improve.