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File photo of people at Seapoint Beach. RollingNews.ie
Water
Sewage, animal faeces and bacteria among the reasons these 6 Irish beaches failed a quality test
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report on Ireland’s bathing waters found that 93% met minimum EU standards.
THE WATER AT six beaches in Ireland failed to reached the minimum standard of quality in the environmental report.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report for 2016 on Ireland’s bathing waters found that 93% met minimum EU standards.
Six beaches failed to meet the minimum standard, however. These are:
- Ballyloughane in Galway
- Clifden in Galway
- Loughshinny in Fingal
- Merrion Strand in Dublin
- Portrane (Brook Beach) in Dublin
- Tra na Forbacha in Galway
The beaches were given a “Poor” rating by the EPA for a variety of reasons.
High bacteria levels, wastewater pollution, sewage, faeces and the presence of E.coli are among the reasons the beaches failed to meet standards.
Three-quarters of Irish beaches were given an “Excellent” rating by environment officers.
In total 102 beaches out of 140 were given “Excellent” status, while a further 18 were given a “Good” rating.
10 bathing areas (7.1%) were classified as being of ‘Sufficient’ water quality. but remain at risk of episodic pollution events.
Commenting on the report, Peter Webster, EPA Senior Scientific Officer said Ireland had “no shortage of beaches around our coast with excellent water quality”.
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