03/05/2012

NI's Beaches Passing Bathing Water Standards Welcome

Environment Minister, Alex Attwood today welcomed the publication of the Marine Conservation Society Report, Good Beach Guide for 2012 passing EC standards for Northern Ireland's beaches.

The recommendations in the guide are based on water quality measurement and perceived pollution risk at 24 of Northern Ireland's most popular bathing beaches. All 24 of Northern Ireland’s European identified bathing waters passed the standards of the EC Bathing Waters Directive in 2011.Twenty achieved the EC's higher Excellent standard.

Mr Attwood said: "Our natural assets are a huge part of the quality of our lives, tourist growth and new jobs. It is great to see our improving water standard being publicised throughout the islands. It is a good advert for the quality of our natural heritage.

"The guide now recommends 16 of our beaches, up from 10 last year. This is a good endorsement of our water quality management plans and will be a great support to the coastal economy.

'All water quality is vulnerable to heavy rainfall events. To both preserve and improve on this excellent progress, all agencies must remain vigilant.

"I am sure that this improvement will also be reflected at the Blue Flag and Seaside awards later this month. These awards recognise beach management standards and facilities as well as water quality."

(CD/GK)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

29 January 2024
The Ultimate Guide To Bingo Halls In Northern Ireland
Bingo, a game that has been a staple in Northern Ireland's entertainment scene for decades, continues to capture the hearts of enthusiasts across the region. In recent years, there has been a notable rise in bingo hall attendances, and some attribute this surge to the growing popularity and accessibility of bingo sites.
17 October 2013
NI Beaches Achieve 100% Quality
Every one of Northern Ireland's 23 beaches officially identified as bathing waters have passed the EC Bathing Waters Directive mandatory standard for water quality. The announcement makes 2013 the best year ever for bathing water quality in Northern Ireland, since bathing waters were first designated under the EC Bathing Water Directive in 1994.
19 September 2014
NI Bathing Waters Reach High Standards
The majority of Northern Ireland bathing waters met the higher guideline of 'excellent' standard for water quality last year, as set by the EU. In 2014, 16 of 23 identified bathing waters met the high standards as laid out in the EU Bathing Water Directive. A further six met the mandatory 'good' standard.
04 November 2010
Seaside Gets Cleaner Bill Of Health
The seaside bathing areas in NI are getting better, according to a water quality survey with just two out of 24 sites tested around the coast failing to meet the required European standards.
22 November 2023
96% Of NI's Bathing Water Meets Quality Standards
96% of Northern Ireland's bathing waters have met the required standards for water quality, continuing to perform well in 2023 despite it being the wettest July in NI since records began. Twenty-five of the 26 identified bathing waters met the required standards for water quality when measured against the standards for faecal indicator organisms.