Bathing Water Quality Has Improved, According To The EPA

Friday, 13 May 2022 09:13

By Caoimhe Harney

The Front Strand Beach in Balbriggan is deemed to have poor quality water.

Bathing water quality has continued to improve across the country.

However, 2 beaches are considered poor in Dublin and County Donegal.

The Environmental Protection Agency's latest report shows 97 per cent of the 148 identified bathing waters met or exceeded the minimum required standard.

Some 115 bathing waters were deemed to be of Excellent quality, up 4 from 2020.

However, 2 bathing waters were poor, down 2. These were Front Strand Beach in Balbriggan and Lady’s Bay in Buncrana.

Agriculture, urban waste water and fouling from dogs on beaches all impacted on the quality of bathing waters, while Irish Water needs to improve the operation, management and maintenance of treatment plants and networks which impact on them.

The EPA says local authorities must prioritise steps to improve the two beaches of Poor quality, and to increase the number of bathing waters at Good or Excellent.

Dr. Eimear Cotter of the EPA says dog owners need to act responsibly in bathing areas, as once incidence of fowling can contaminate an area the size of a swimming pool.

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