Irish water quality has continued to improve throughout 2021, according to an Environmental Protection Agency report.
The research found that 97 per cent of Irish bathing waters met or exceeded the minimum standard.
The EPA study investigated the water quality of 148 beaches, which found 78% were deemed excellent, 13% good, 7% sufficient, and just two beaches classed as poor, which were the Front Strand in Balbriggan in Co Dublin, and Lady's Bay at Buncrana in Co Donegal
Director of the EPA, Dr Eimear Cotter, says credit goes to local government for leading the change and they have been instrumental in reducing contaminants in the water.
Green Party Councillor and Avid Sea Swimmer Donna Cooney says the public need to keep the pressure on, she says to contact your local authorities and the EPA if you encounter dirty or unclean water.
Active CEO of Water Safety Ireland has this advice for swimmers, stating that swimmers who have a wound or a cut should not swim in open waters.
Increased popularity of sea swimming means, more swimmers are in the water outside of bathing season when water quality isn't monitored
A potential remedy is to extend the bathing season ensuring swimmer safety.
