Four Irish beaches fail to meet EU bathing standards

Four Irish beaches have reportedly failed to meet basic EU bathing standards in the latest assessment by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Reports this morning say the water off Balbriggan in Co Dublin has been deemed unsafe due to the presence of human or animal waste.

Elsewhere, Youghal in Co Cork and Clifden and Na Forbacha in Co Galway have failed to meet standards due to levels of fecal coliforms.

Despite these poor assessments, 97% of the bathing areas tested were found to be in compliance with EU standards.