Clare beaches reopen to swimmers

Swimming has been given the green light again at three Clare beaches after restrictions due to bacteria levels in the water.

Clare County Council acted on advice from the HSE to reopen Lahinch, Kilkee and Spanish Point beaches.

The council confirmed that the preliminary results of water samples taken from the three bathing areas yesterday had shown "a dramatic reduction of levels of bacteria in the water".

The council and HSE said an improvement in weather conditions in recent days has been the main factor to the positive results.

The prohibition on bathing at the three locations was put in place on Friday after the results of routine tests on water samples at the three beaches showed up elevated levels of bacteria.

Director of services at the council Anne Haugh said Blue Flag status had been restored to Lahinch and Kilkee beaches, having been temporarily withdrawn on Friday.

Lifeguards at each of the three bathing areas also have been instructed to remove all red flags which had indicated that bathing was prohibited.