There has been a drop in standards in estuaries and coastal waters due to agriculture
The standard of bathing water in the midlands is "Excellent" according a new Environmental Protection Agency report.
Bathing areas in Lough Lene, Lough Owell, and Lough Ennell were all given the highest possible rating by the EPA.
There has been a drop in water quality is in estuaries and coastal waters along the southeast and southern coasts.
The report shows about half of Ireland's open water bodies are in a 'satisfactory' condition.
The Agency says the main reason for poor standards is due to agriculture.
EPA Programme Manager, Mary Gurrie describes what's causing problems in the worst affected region:
Minimising fertiliser-use near water sources has a 'win-win' effect for everyone.
That's the EPA's message to farmers following the publication of the new report.
It found that, overall, Ireland's water quality has declined over the last five years, with agriculture the main source of pollution.
Senior Scientific Officer at the EPA, Shane O'Boyle is reminding farmers of the environmental and financial loss suffered when fertiliser runs into water:
“We’re At A Tipping Point” - Aontú On Accommodation Protests
Dementia Conference Coming To The Midlands Next Month
Midlands Student Wins Two Awards For Research On Energy Crisis
Midlands Disabilities Day Service Wins Travel School Of The Year In The Region
New Funding Good Opportunity To Rebuild Midlands Sports Facility
Midlands Local Authority To Release Plan To Tackle Noise Pollution
Over 1,000 Marriages In The Midlands In 2023
Offaly €150k Scratch Winner Is A Repeat Winner
Fourth Consecutive Decrease In Midlands Homelessness
Emergency Services At Scene Of Westmeath Crash
Noah Kahan, Calvin Harris And Kylie To Headline Electric Picnic 2024
Offaly's €550k Just Transition Funding 'A Slap In The Face' - Fianna Fáil
Nine Finalist Spot For The Midlands In Digital Town Awards
Substantial Amount Of Cash And Drugs Seized In Laois To Be Sent For Examination
Concerns Around Traffic Noise Pollution Underlined In Offaly Noise Action Plan
€18k Made Available To Fund Midlands Age And Opportunity Programme
Housing Minister Predicts Falling Midlands Homelessness
€200,000 In Cash And Substantial Amount Of Drugs Seized In Laois
Massive Laois Operation Leads To Multiple Arrests In Connection With Stolen Vehicles
Over 300 New Dwellings Completed In The Midlands This Year