Northside beaches unfit for swimming
Time to clean up our act – de Burca
Green Party Senator and Euro candidate for Dublin, Deirdre de Burca, expressed dismay at the news that several North Dublin beaches are unfit for swimming.
A report from the Environmental Protection Agency shows that beaches at Balbriggan, Loughshinny, Malahide and Portrane are all unfit for bathing due to large levels of coliforms – the bacteria found in human and animal waste.
The report states that last summer’s heavy rainfall flooded treatment plants causing sewage overflows which polluted water at 122 seaside locations around the country, the lowest standards for bathing water quality since records began in 1991.
Senator de Burca said, “The latest findings in the Environmental Protection Agency report are very disappointing. The number of beaches and lakes which failed to meet minimum EU water quality standards more than doubled last year.
“If this trend continues then many seaside locations could see a total ban on bathing which would affect tourism and lower environmental standards and water quality across the country. Beaches at Balbriggan, Malahide and Portrane are important amenities for the local community.
“The report blames heavy rainfall last summer as the main factor contributing to water pollution. This highlights a potential danger to drinking water sources around the country.
“It is time to take strict preventative measures to save our water quality by ensuring good farming practices and improving local drainage systems which will prevent sewage leaking into local water supplies. Modernising waste water and sewerage plants is also a vital step to prevent pollution.
“Ireland is world famous for its blue flag beaches and unspoiled lakes. I will continue to work to ensure that our bathing water meets EU standards,” added Senator de Burca.
