There were people swimming, fishing, walking and sunbathing at Knockananig Reservoir on a very warm and sunny Thursday morning last. What is described as "one of the best free amenities Fermoy has" by Mayor Olive Corcoran, is to be governed by new bye-laws.

The bye-laws aim to conserve angling at the reservoir, protect flora and fauna and regulate amenity use to safeguard visitors and protect the environment.

At their monthly meeting last week Fermoy Town Council agreed the bye-laws. They'll now go out to public consultation. During their discussion on the matter, the town clerk was queried on the fact that the bye-laws don't mention swimming being prohibited. She advised that there is signage at the reservoir to that effect. Asked if such signage indemnified them, the town clerk said she would check the matter and report back to their next meeting.

People this reporter spoke to on Thursday last while walking the trail around the lake with the mayor, said they were regular swimmers there.

'STRICT ENFORCEMENT' NECESSARY

The new bye-laws forbid fishing from boats, fires, camping, quad bikes, trail bikes and horses. The mayor says she's been told there are horses being walked there. Dog fouling will also be forbidden under the new bye-laws - apparent that it was a problem during our visit there. There was also evidence of a number of camp fires. "Strict enforcement of the bye-laws is needed, once they're passed. Some people abuse this amenity by having barbecues on the grass and not taking their rubbish away with them, but this can easily be policed," the mayor said.

She paid tribute to the volunteers who regularly clean up the site and also commended FAS worker, Joe McLennan who cleans up litter, keeps the grass cut and removes dog dirt. "Joe goes well above and beyond the call of duty in his care and attention to the place and it shows," she said.

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