01/05/2014 - 13:27:23Back to Ireland Home

Fifteen popular beaches and bathing spots are at risk of being shut for swimmers for an entire summer because of pollution fears.

Despite only four bathing areas failing to meet the minimum standards last year, the environmental watchdog has warned that figure could more than treble under European toughened regulations.

Out of 135 bathing spots checked in 2013, only Clifden in Galway, Lilliput on Lough Ennell in Co Westmeath, Dugort on Achill and Ballyloughane in Galway city failed to hit the mark.

But the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has named 15 swimming spots and beaches where notices might have to be posted warning of EU closure orders.

They include the Front Strand and Claycastle in Youghal, and Fountainstown in Co Cork; in Dublin, Sandymount Strand, Balbriggan Front Strand, Loughshinny, and the South Beach in Rush; in Galway, Ballyloughane and Grattan Road beaches and Clifden, Tra na bhForbacha, and Tra na mBan, An Spideal; Ardmore beach in Waterford; Lilliput in Westmeath; and Duncannon in Wexford.

But Peter Webster, EPA senior scientific officer, said beaches and popular bathing spots will not be policed to stop swimmers.

The waters will have signage telling the public that the water classification was poor and advising against bathing, he said.

But you cant stop people swimming, so people will be advised to check with the current status.

The tougher EU standards will use an average of water quality over the previous four years to determine if signs must be erected for the June-September season saying water may not be safe.

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New regulations see 15 Irish beaches at risk of closure orders