Five Irish beaches fail to meet minimum EU standards

The number of Irish beaches that pose a risk to public health increased last year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

In its annual report on the quality of bathing waters, the agency said five beaches failed to meet minimum EU standards in 2005, up from three the previous year.

The beaches in question are Merrion Strand (Dublin), Sutton Burrow Beach (Dublin), Na Forbacha (Galway), Clifden (Galway) and Ardmore (Waterford).

A total of 131 bathing areas are included in the EPA report, 126 of which comply with EU standards.

This is down from 128 in 2004.