The percentage of septic tanks in Cork failing inspections has increased this year, with the worst failure rate in the west of the county.

A councillor criticised in RTÉ’s Investigations Unit exposé on standards in public office has sought to defend taking part in a planning vote which impacted a site he co-owns.

Beaches and marinas across the country are bathing in the warm waters of European approval — 86 of them have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag status.

Four of the country’s most popular bathing spots have failed to pass basic water cleanliness tests.

Four of the country’s most popular bathing spots have failed to pass basic water cleanliness tests.

As weather forecasts continue to suggest that 2013 will be the best summer the country has seen for years, four Irish Examiner writers profile their favourite beaches and hidden gems around the southern coastline.

Cork County Council has defended the quality of its coastal bathing water, blaming a more stringent marking criteria and the wettest summer for 50 years on the loss of Blue Flag status on four beaches.

Cork, the country’s largest coastal county, has lost four of its blue flag beaches.

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IT’S the little village with the big name — renowned far and wide for certain mysterious movements.

The number of Irish beaches securing coveted Blue Flag status has hit an all-time high.

IT’S a summer’s weekend in Ireland.

PARENTS have been warned that their children risk drowning if they are use rubber rings while swimming in the sea.

IN your report on Ireland’s Blue Flag beaches (Irish Examiner, June 6), Garrettstown is referred to as having Blue Flag status.