Confusion as beaches declared to be safe

Confusion reigned yesterday as lifeguards warned swimmers not to bathe at seven beaches in Co Cork, despite test results showing they were within permissible EU levels for the bacteria E.coli.

Cork County Council published the results shortly after 10am yesterday showing that all seven beaches were considerably below the permitted EU level of 2,000 E.coli particles per 100ml of water.

However, as a delighted Mayor of County Cork, Cllr Barbara Murray, went for a dip in her hometown of Youghal, lifeguards rushed over to prevent herself and some companions from swimming at the Front Strand.