Four beaches have failed to meet EU standards, a new report by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revealed today.
The bathing water quality report revealed Balbriggan and Malahide in north Co Dublin and Clifden, Co Galway, did not meet the mandatory standard for both total and faecal coliforms, while Dunmore East Main Strand, Co Waterford, failed to meet the standard for faecal coliforms.
Of these beaches, only Clifden was named the previous year, when five beaches failed. The EPA report also called for the number of designated swimming areas to be increased from 131 to 160.
"The primary reason for sites failing the EU standards was due to inadequately treated sewage," said Gerard O'Leary, EPA programme manager.
"While the overall level of bathing water quality remains high, the EPA remains concerned that a small number of bathing areas do not conform to the minimum mandatory standards," he said.
Of all 131 bathing areas tested, 122 were seawater and nine freshwater. All were monitored throughout the 2006 bathing water season.
The results of samples analysed were assessed for compliance with two sets of EU standards: minimum quality standards and more stringent quality targets (EU Guide values).
Out of the 18 local authorities who have designated bathing areas, 11 were found to have complied fully with the EU standards. These were: Cork County Council, Donegal County Council, Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council, Galway City Council, Kerry County Council, Louth County Council, Mayo County Council, Meath County Council, Westmeath County Council, Wexford County Council and Wicklow County Council.
Minister for the Environment Dick Roche said the new EU directive on bathing water quality, adopted in February 2006, will deliver increased health-protection for bathers and will introduce a more pro-active approach to beach management.
Member states have until March 24th, 2008, to transpose this directive into national law.