Swimming ban lifted as Fingal beaches hit ‘excellent’ water quality mark

Beachgoers can dive back in at some of Fingal’s most popular swimming spots after fresh test results showed “excellent” water quality across the board.

The prior warning at Front Strand in Balbriggan and the “Do Not Swim” prohibition notice at Velvet Strand, Portmarnock, were both lifted following water quality samples taken on Friday, September 5, which confirmed conditions had returned to the highest standard.

The good news comes as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) confirmed that samples collected earlier in the week, on September 2, from all identified bathing waters in Fingal also met the “excellent” classification under EU standards.

Malahide beach, which is not an officially identified bathing water, also returned an “excellent” result.

Elsewhere, sampling carried out at Balscadden Bay and Ireland’s Eye – two locations monitored outside the formal bathing water programme – also produced “excellent” results this season.

These areas have been tested regularly during bathing seasons since 2015, although they are not included in official classifications under Bathing Water Quality Regulations.

Fingal County Council is encouraging swimmers and beach users to check water quality updates in advance by visiting the EPA’s dedicated website www.beaches.ie or by consulting notice boards at beach entrances.

A full explanation of the standards used to classify bathing waters is also available on the Council’s website.

With restrictions now lifted, locals and visitors alike can make the most of Fingal’s coastline, confident that the water is safe for a late-summer swim.