Locals in a town hit by poor water quality results fear their beaches will be effectively closed during the summer season.
The four beaches which got notices from the EPA:
- Balbriggan in Dublin
- Clifden Beach in Galway
- Lilliput in Westmeath
- Cúas Crom in Kerry.
Six beaches improved to Excellent quality including Warren, Cregane strand @CorkCoCo; Killiney; Rush (South Beach) @Fingalcoco; Donabate (Balcarrick) @Fingalcoco; Golden Strand, Achill @MayoCoCo; Laytown/Bettystown @MeathCoCo.#bathingwater report 2020: https://t.co/mrxftoSGAT pic.twitter.com/hWa0238565
— EPA Ireland (@EPAIreland) May 12, 2021
Balbriggan Beach In Dublin
Tucked away in the northern tip of the county, Balbriggan’s front strand beach is one of the most scenic in Dublin.
In a few weeks, it should be full of people enjoying staycations.
But the Environmental Protection Agency decision to class the front strand beach’s water quality as “poor” has cast doubts on this.
Independent Councillor Grainne Maguire says it will effectively close the beach when local businesses need it most.
"Now they say it's not a ban, but it's an advisory notice not to swim."
"But in effect, it's selling people not to swim."
"Not to swim for the bathing season, which is June 1st to September 15th."
Our #bathingwater report for 2020 is now available to read: https://t.co/oWKYP1Q8IU
Planning a trip to the beach? Don’t forget
•Check https://t.co/3j2w6uaFj8 for all the latest swimming information
•Clean up after your dog and yourselves (#leavenotrace)
•Report pollution pic.twitter.com/niQbtzc9kU— EPA Ireland (@EPAIreland) May 12, 2021
Locals Hope Quality Improves
These swimmers at the beach urged local officials to fix any issues.
There are now calls for the EPA to continue monitoring the water at the beach, in the hope it improves in time for summer.
