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Excellent Quality In Majority Of Ireland's Bathing Waters

Friday, 12 May 2023 06:48

Lough Ennell, Westmeath

117 bathing sites have excellent water quality, according to a new EPA report.

The majority of Ireland's bathing waters have excellent or good water quality, according to a new report.

The Environmental Protection Agency says 97% of designated bathing waters met or exceeded the minimum standard.

A total of 117 bathing sites had excellent water quality, two more than last year.

Lough Owel in Mullingar is included in that category, while Lough Ennell is just behind, with good water quality.

The water quality at Lilliput in Lough Ennell was classified as 'poor' from 2018 to 2020, and a swimming ban there was lifted this time last year.

Mary Gurrie, programme manager with the EPA, says investment in wastewater infrastructure over the last number of years has improved the quality:

Tara Furlong, who was swimming in North Bull Island in County Dublin this morning says sometimes swimmers know there's something wrong the minute they get in the water.

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