27 March 2013 Last updated at 01:54 ET

Most of Northern Ireland's beaches have excellent bathing water quality, according to the latest survey by the Marine Conservation Society.

Last year was one of the wettest summers on record, but 15 of the 23 beaches still managed to pass European guidelines.

That is just one fewer than the year before.

Only one NI beach, Newcastle, County Down, failed to meet a minimum European standard for bathing water quality.

Dr Robert Keirle of MSC said Northern Ireland (NI) Water had invested heavily over the last 10 years to improve its network of sewers and pumping stations and this investment appeared to be paying off.

"Despite Northern Ireland as a whole experiencing an exceptionally wet summer during 2012, today we can recommend the second highest number of beaches in the province," he said.

"So the benefits of NI Water's investment are starting to become apparent."

MCS said that, nationally, 42 beaches (5.6%) failed to meet even a minimum European standard, or equivalent, for bathing water quality; 17 more than in last year's guide.

Dr Keirle said just because this was the second best result on record for Northern Ireland's beaches, it was no time for complacency.

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NI beaches 'excellent' water quality