Three local beaches fail water quality test

THERE was disappointment on the Northside last week when it was announced that three local beaches have failed to make the grade in a report released by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The report, bathing Water Quality in Ireland in 2017, found that the overall quality of the country’s bathing water remains good with 132 of the 142 identified waters meeting strict EU standards. According to the report, these standards provide a high level of protection for bathers.

Nearly three quarters of bathing waters were classed as ‘excellent’ with 102 beaches and bathing waters meeting the standard – the same number as in 2016. 

However, seven coastal bathing waters failed to meet the minimum standard and are classified as poor.

Five of the seven beaches are in Dublin and include Loughshinny, Portrane and Rush South Beach.

The EPA report shows that these waters are all vulnerable to pollution events. However, it noted that the relevant local authorities, in conjunction with Irish Water, have plans in place to tackle the main pollution risks at these beaches with a view to improving them to at least ‘sufficient’ quality.

Andy Fanning, Programme Manager of the EPA’s Office of Evidence and Assessment, said: “Our assessment shows that urban beaches are under greater pressure that those in more rural locations.  

“More needs to be done to eliminate the sources of bacterial contamination that are particular to urban locations.”  

Mr Fanning said the main issues are misconnections to surface water drains and other run off from urban environments, together with sewage discharges.  

“Work is needed by local authorities, Irish Water, businesses and homeowners to ensure that contaminated wastewater is correctly collected and treated before being released into the environment,” he added.

During the summer, current water quality information and details of any incidents affecting bathing waters will be displayed on the website www.beaches.ie  

The EPA urged the public to always check the noticeboard at local beaches for information on water quality. 

Bathing areas are currently classified in one of four categories namely ‘Excellent’, ‘Good’, ‘Sufficient’ or ‘Poor’. The mandatory requirement is for ‘Sufficient’ quality.

The bathing season in Ireland is designated as being from June 1 to September 15.