SWIMMING RESTRICTIONS REMAIN in place at seven Cork beaches after levels of E.coli exceeded safety levels but Cork County Council says levels have significantly decreased after testing.

Swimming restrictions have been in place at Redbarn, the Front Strand and Claycastle in Youghal; Garreststown near Kinsale; Garryvoe near Castlemartyr; Coolmaine near Kilbrittain; and Oysterhaven since last week.

It followed findings that levels of the bacteria E.coli in the water exceeded EU limits.

The delayed results of tests carried out on the waters at the seven beaches on Monday have shown that levels of E.coli have significantly decreased.

Cork County Council says that current results show the water is of ‘sufficient’ quality at the Front Strand, Claycastle, Redbarn, Oysterhaven and Coolmaine beaches.

The water is of ‘good’ quality at the Garryvoe and Garrettstown beaches.

The council says that it is awaiting the outcome of discussions with the HSE in relation to the swimming notices and says that further results will be available tomorrow morning.

“All identified beaches will continue to be monitored as per the agreed monitoring calendar with the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency),” a spokesperson said.

You  can view the bathing quality of water at all beaches in Ireland here.

Read: Cork beaches remain closed as technical difficulty delays E.coli test results