The Environmental Protection Agency says all but three of Ireland's beaches now meet the minimum standard.
97% of Ireland’s beaches meet the minimum standard and 117 were of excellent water quality.
This is two more than the previous year according to the EPA.
Criticism over testing
Despite the improvement reported, there has been criticism of how water quality is tested.
Swimmer and Green Party Cllr Donna Cooney says it takes too long, which means swimmers aren’t notified on time.
Swimmers want to see improvement in the speed and frequency of water quality testing in Ireland.
Also, three bathing spots reportedly were of poor water quality
Balbriggan’s Front Strand Beach, Lady’s Bay in Buncrana and An Spidéal’s Trá na mBan have various issues.
