Report shows decline in NI beach water quality

A UK wide report has revealed that the water quality at many of Northern Ireland's most popular beaches is getting worse.

The Marine Conservation Society tests water quality throughout the UK on a regular basis and recommended that only four out of 27 beaches in the province were up to standard.

Last year Northern Ireland was at the top of the UK with nine beaches recommended.

The four local beaches recommended included Benone Strand in Co Londonderry and Whiterocks in Co Antrim.

Two beaches, Ballygally and Brown's Bay near Larne in Co Antrim failed to meet even the minimum standards because of their high bacterial count.

Commenting on the report, East Londonderry Ulster Unionist David McClarty says the tide must start to turn on the falling standards of some of the North Coast's beaches.

The Coleraine Councillor was speaking after two Portrush beaches lost their recommendations from the Marine Conservation Society in its latest guide.

He said: “Water quality is the big issue here and we cannot afford to let standards slide because these beaches are the jewels in our tourism crown.

“The situation should improve when the new waste water treatment works situated between Portrush and Portstewart is up and running.

“Ideally, the Department of Regional Development should have proceeded with the additional tertiary treatment in the project which will serve the area for the next 30 years.

“I understand that the site is large enough to permit the construction of a tertiary treatment facility should standards be more rigorous in future. However, there was no great desire to invest the additional £2m required in addition to meeting running costs.

“The Water Service says that it would not be a viable option given that the proposed works would treat waste water to required standards.”

Councillor McClarty said he had been given an assurance that the one kilometre outfall of waste would ensure that existing water quality standards for bathing beaches would be met and no effluent would be returned to the adjacent beaches.

“This is vitally important for an area which is so heavily dependent on tourism and the necessity to maintain the highest standards of its beaches.”

(MB)