Pollution risks damaging the reputation of the Dingle Peninsula as an area of outstanding natural beauty.
That’s according to a report compiled by a meitheal of volunteers who are among those involved in cleaning up foam insulation and other debris from the Fastnet salvage operation.
The French fishing trawler, Fastnet, ran aground at Been Bawn (Bín Bán) beach, west of Dingle Lighthouse on 14th December last (2025).
Castletownbere based, Atlantic Towage and Marine was hired by the vessel's owner and insurance company to disassemble the 28-metre, 345 tonne trawler.
The vessel has now been partially removed.
The local volunteer report claims the yellow marine insulation has been found on numerous locations along the seashore and intertidal zone between Kinard Beach near Lispole (Lios Póil) and the Great Blasket Island (An Blascoad Mór).
The volunteers estimate that at least 35 large refuse sacks of foam debris have already been collected.
They allege that the source of the pollution has not yet been fully stopped or contained, and are calling for an urgent and comprehensive clean-up programme.
Radio Kerry understands that the salvage company has removed 32 tonnes of the material from the water by hand so far.
Part of the salvage company's overall plan includes keeping a boat near the wreck to capture debris that breaks off, and it is understood that this is happening.
The local volunteers claim that new debris continues to wash ashore in many locations despite repeated clean-up efforts.
The report warns the contamination could have negative consequences for tourism and the local economy.
The EPA referred Radio Kerry to the Irish Coast Guard, the Coast Guard said the wreck is within the jurisdiction of Dingle Fishery Harbour under the Department of the Marine, the salvage company referred us to the Department of the Marine, and the Department of the Marine referred us to the vessel’s owner and its agents.
Its owner and agents have not responded to requests for comment.
The Irish Coast Guard did state it is monitoring the situation in liaison with Department of the Marine, and thanked the public for reporting any debris found on the coastline.
