North Dublin beach hit with 'do not swim' notice over bacteria levels

Sarah Slater

Bathers are being advised to stay away from a beach in north Dublin due to “elevated bacterial levels” in the water.

Fingal County Council has issued the notice following results obtained from samples collected at Claremont Beach in Howth last Monday.

A decision has been made to place a "Do Not Swim" notice at the beach.

In a statement the council said that “as a precautionary measure to protect public health, the warning signage has been erected at the bathing water location advising the public not to swim until further notice”.

An investigation into the potential source of the elevated bacterial levels is underway, and resampling will be arranged as appropriate.

The water quality at all other beaches, including Balbriggan’s Front Strand, Skerries’ North Strand, Loughshinny, Rush North and South, Balcarrick Beach in Donabate, Portrane’s Brook Beach, Portmarnock’s Velvet Strand, Sutton’s Burrow beach and Malahide tested as excellent.

Water results are expected within three days, according to the council.