Swimming remains prohibited at Keeldra Lake over cyanobacteria concerns

Swimming continues to be prohibited at Keeldra Lake, Ballinamore Municipal District was told this week.

Swimming at the lake, which is situated near Cloone, is not allowed due to fears that cyanobacteria could be present in the lake.

The toxin produces algae in the lake, which can cause harm to people, animals and the local environment.

Cllr Ita Reynolds Flynn (FG) sought an update from the MD meeting on the swimming status of the lake, which is popular for swimming.

“It is terrible to see no swimming at Keeldra lake,” she told the meeting. “This is a great amenity and in recent years, up to 140 children attended swimming at the lake,” she added.

According to Cllr Reynolds Flynn, “The swimming cost €35 per head for children and it is such a pity that swimming could not go ahead this year on the lake.”

“We need to do something about this before next year,” the representative added.

The motion was supported by Cllr Róisín Kenny (SF). “I learned to swim on this lake,” she told the meeting.

“Keeldra lake is a beautiful setting, with a walkway and the locals keep the area very tidy. I would suggest that steps be taken early next year on this matter. I would be concerned that if the lake is left too long like this, it could be gone as an amenity,” Cllr Kenny added.

A written reply from the council stated, “The Environment Department has been monitoring the situation at Keeldra Lake closely since May 25th 2026, in conjunction with the HSE.

“Additional signage has been erected to notify members of the public that swimming is currently prohibited until further notice at this bathing water,” the reply stated.

“Until such time as there have been two clear test samples showing the absence of cyanobacteria, the swimming prohibition notice cannot be lifted,” the reply added.