Most of our bathing spots meet standards — but seabirds playing role in pollution

EPA classifies 102 of 142 bathing waters as ‘excellent’ and 18 as ‘good’ but warns about bacterial contamination caused by bird droppings

The rise in the number of birds — and their droppings — at some of Ireland’s beaches may be contributing to the pollution of some of the country’s bathing spots, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

While the vast majority of Ireland’s 142 bathing waters met minimum EU standards last year, the EPA found that seven areas in Dublin and Galway fell short of requirements.