FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL has warned members of the public of possible water pollution at three beaches due to storm water overflow.

The council said there was a “short term overflow event” from a pump station at Portmarnock following heavy rainfall last night.

To reduce the risk of illness, beach users at Portmarnock, Claremont and Sutton should:

• Avoid swallowing or splashing water
• Wash your hands before handling food
• Avoid swimming with an open cut or wound
• Avoid swimming if you are pregnant or have a weakened immune system

‘Do Not Swim’ notices are currently in force at four other beaches in Fingal due to a suspected deterioration in water quality. The beaches are open, but swimming is prohibited at Balbriggan, Skerries, Loughshinny and Rush.

Water samples were taken all seven locations today and sent for testing with the results due before the end of the week.

There are also two warnings in place for Warren and Owenahincha beaches in Cork. There are concerns about water quality deterioration due to a suspected sewage discharge.

Read: Swimming forbidden at four Dublin beaches due to sewage discharge>

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