Popular West Cork beach declared safe to swim after e-coli fears allayed 

Cork County Council said water quality monitoring at Warren Beach in Rosscarbery showed it had been restored to 'excellent status'

A swimming ban was put in place at Warren Beach in Rosscarbery on Tuesday amid concerns over water quality. Picture: Andy Gibson

The swimming ban at one of Cork’s best known beaches because of suspected e.coli bacteria has been lifted.

The prohibition was put in place on Tuesday afternoon at Warren Beach in Rosscarbery, just as a group of 60 children were due to undertake lifeguard training with Water Safety Ireland.

In a statement on Friday afternoon, Cork County Council said the ban was lifted after comprehensive follow-up monitoring by the Environment Directorate, and in consultation with the HSE.

It said final test results obtained on Friday showed the water quality at Warren Beach had been restored to “excellent status”.

“The decision made to re-open Warren Beach was made based on solid scientific data from Cork County Council’s accredited laboratory in Inniscarra, as well as on the professional advice from its staff, and from colleagues in the HSE. 

"When water quality is affected at Co Cork beaches, the council may have to take steps to advise or prohibit the public from entering the bathing waters. This is done for the purposes of public health, the protection of which is its top priority. 

"However, the council also recognises that the many beautiful beaches along our coast are of vital importance to the local communities and to local business."

It said it made every effort to determine as soon as possible when a bathing water was safe again to use.

Uisce Éireann said it had carried out an investigation of its assets in the area which had resulted in “no indication of discharges in recent days that may have impacted on bathing water”.

It added: “It is important to note that bathing water quality is contingent on a number of factors including overflows from wastewater collection systems, run-off from roads, agriculture and forestry, private septic tank discharges, animal waste and leaks and spills.”