Irish waters found largely compliant with EU guidelines

Five Irish beaches do not meet European standards for bathing water quality, according to an EU report published this week.

The beaches that aren't clean enough for swimmers are in Clifden and Na Forbacha, County Galway, Merrion Strand and Sutton's Burrow Beach, County Dublin, and Ardmore in County Waterford.

Susan Carroll, a spokesperson for the European Commission Representation in Ireland, says most Irish beaches do meet basic standards.

“The EU test bathing water quality across Europe every year, and this year's report shows that Irish coastal bathing sites are 95.9% compliant with mandatory standards, which is a small drop of 1.6% on last year,” she said today.

Ms. Carroll added: “The good news is that all Irish freshwater sites met minimum requirements.”