Swimming banned at former blue flag beach over excessive E.coli levels

Swimming has been banned at a former blue flag beach in Co Cork due to excessive E.coli levels while the public has been warned of “potential risks” at three other bathing spots, including two current blue flag beaches.

Cork County Council was forced to prohibit swimming at Fountainstown beach, 23km south of Cork City.

A previous recipient of the coveted EU-approved symbol, the council did not make an application this year for Fountainstown to retain its blue flag status due to stricter bathing water criteria.