The quality of bathing water in Ireland is high, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has said, with just over two weeks to go to the start of the official bathing season.
The report found that 97% of designated bathing locations met or exceeded the minimum standard, with 77% deemed 'excellent' - a slight decrease from 117 for 2022.
However, five beaches failed - the Front Strand at Balbriggan, Loughshinny Beach, and Sandymount Strand, all in Dublin, Lady's Bay in Buncrana, Co Donegal, and Trá na mBan at An Spidéal in Co Galway.
Discharges from wastewater overflows and sewage misconnections were the main reasons for the poor bathing water quality.
Heavy rainfall can result in wastewater overflows, increased run-off from agriculture, and urban debris washed onto Irish beaches where it contaminates the bathing water.
Wastewater Compliance Senior Manager at Uisce Éireann Niall Horgan said the company has "plans in place or delivered already" to address the issues.
Majority of bathing water locations of high quality - EPA
The quality of bathing water in Ireland is high, the Environmental Protection Agency has said, with just over two weeks to go to the start of the official bathing season.
