Quality of our bathing water takes a big dip

Ireland has the highest percentage of beaches and lakes with poor quality bathing water in the EU after Estonia, according to a report in the lead-up to the holiday season.

Some 132 Irish beaches were tested, including nine inland lakes, with 103 or 75% being described as ‘excellent’. However, 23 were not at the same high standard and seven of them received a red card.

As a result, people will be advised against bathing in the seven areas or the local authority may ban bathing altogether for the summer, although the beaches themselves may continue to be used.