AN ADVISORY not to swim has been introduced for a third Clare beach in the space of three days.
White Strand in Miltown Malbay joins Lahinch and White Strand Doonbeg as locations deemed not safe to swim in due to elevated levels of bacteria in the water.
At the peak of the summer season, the introduction of do not swim notices for three of its nine Blue Flag beaches is a setback.
Run-off from catchment areas following heavy rainfall has been cited by Clare County Council as “a likely cause of the elevated levels of bacteria in the water” for all three locations.
On Friday afternoon, the local authority confirmed that an advisory notice not to swim at White Strand in Miltown Malbay has been introduced and will be in place until further notice. “The restriction has been introduced after the results of routine bathing water samples showed elevated levels of bacteria,” a spokesperson said.
“In accordance with An Taisce’s Blue Flag programme, the Blue Flag at this bathing area will be removed until such time as the water quality improves,” the spokesperson added.
White Strand in Doonbeg’s advisory notice remains in place. Investigative monitoring is ongoing and will continue through the weekend and Clare County Council laboratory staff are continually liaising with the HSE. The notice was issued here on Thursday afternoon.
Lahinch’s Red Flag is still flying since Wednesday morning with the public prohibited from entering the water. Investigative monitoring contiunues.
