Most Swimming Sites Deemed 'Excellent' - EPA

Friday, 12 May 2023 10:36

By Caoimhe Harney

This year, 97% of them met or exceeded the minimum standards,

The majority of officially designated swimming sites in Ireland have excellent or good quality, according to the latest Bathing Water Quality Report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

It found that 144 out of 148 bathing waters met or exceeded the minimum required standard, with 117 of them classified as excellent or good.

The EPA said the ongoing improvement shows good management of bathing waters can give a high level of health protection for swimmers and other water users.

Three out of the 148 were deemed poor this year and so will have a swimming restriction for the 2023 season.

These were Front Strand Beach at Balbriggan in Dublin, Lady's Bay at Buncrana in Co Donegal, and Trá na mBan, at An Spidéal in Co Galway.

The official bathing season in Ireland starts on 1 June and runs until 15 September.

In advance of that, the EPA has reassured swimmers that in the vast majority of cases the water quality is safe.

148 bathing sites officially designated by local authorities are monitored on an ongoing basis.

This year, 97% of them met or exceeded the minimum standards, including the 79% that were deemed excellent.

Two locations - the Brook Beach at Portrane, in Fingal North, Co Dublin, and Trá na bhForbacha in Galway - have shown significant improvement, up from poor to excellent in a very short number of years.

More from National News

Department Of Housing Shifts Blame On To Council As Kildare Families Priced Out Of "Affordable" Housing Again

In a statement to Kfm News, the Department said the Barracksfield West development is part of the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme, and that the minimum prices, about 24% below market value, were decided by the Council.
Outbreak Of Bird Flu Has Been Confirmed In Carlow Turkey Flock

All flock owners have been urged to be vigilant for signs of bird flu and to maintain biosecurity measures
Lidl To Open Country’s First Net Zero Energy Store In Maynooth This Thursday

Designed in partnership with the Irish Green Building Council, the supermarket will generate as much energy as it consumes annually.
Contract For Maynooth Eastern Ring Road Project Awarded To Company Based In Kilcullen

The new single carriageway relief road will connect the R405 Celbridge Road in the south to the R148 Leixlip Road in the north.
Policy Shift Allows Private Sector To Construct Wastewater Plants For New Housing

Up until now, only Uisce Eireann has been allowed do this.
Parents Invited To Take Part In Major Survey On Primary Education’s Future

Audio

95 per cent of the country’s almost 3,100 primary schools fall under the patronage of religious bodies, according to figures from Education & Training Boards Ireland.
New "Affordable" Naas Homes Cost More Than Families Are Allowed To Borrow From Council

The same issue arose at Lattin Place on Rathasker Road because the three-beds started at €365,000, just five thousand euro over the loan threshold limit.
Minister Lawless Sought Legal Advice Over Claims Apprentice Electricians Bought Exam Papers For €50

Audio

Mr Lawless sought advice from the Attorney General on whether the matter should be referred to An Garda Síochána.