Beach swimming ban lifted as water quality gets all-clear

A swimming ban at one of Cork’s most popular beaches has been lifted.

Public health experts gave Garryvoe in East Cork the all- clear on Saturday afternoon after new water tests indicated a return to excellent water quality.

“The bathing quality is now compliant with the bathing water regulations,” a spokesman for Cork County Council said.

Similar swimming bans which had been in place at six beaches in north Co Dublin for several days have also been lifted.

The ban at Garryvoe was introduced on Thursday afternoon after tests earlier in the week showed an increase in bacteria in the water.

The level of e.coli was well below the guideline limit, but the level of intestinal enterococci was almost twice the limit.

Officials warned that swimming in the water could cause illness.

Council environmental officers said the elevated levels of bacteria were likely to be the result of discharge from sewage infrastructure.