Youghal strand ‘unsafe for swimming’

A seaside town has received a serious setback to its tourist season after swimmers were advised not to use its main beach.

Cork County Council has put up signs warning people against bathing on Youghal’s Front Strand, because its water quality is deemed “poor”.

The local authority has been forced to take the action because of an EU directive which insists warning notices are issued if water quality over a four-year period is not up to standard.