Ireland among worst in Europe for bathing water quality

Some 274 inland and coastal areas in Ireland were examined as part of the study. Picture Dan Linehan

Ireland is in the bottom third of European nations when it comes to bathing water of the highest quality, an assessment of almost 22,000 coastal and inland swimming spots has found.

Just under under 77% of areas in Ireland classed as suitable for bathing were deemed as being of excellent quality, compared to the EU average of around 85%, according to figures from the European Environment Agency (EEA).