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15/04/2014
NI Beaches Rated 'Excellent'
Fifteen beaches in Northern Ireland have been rated 'excellent' for water quality by the Marine Conservation Society.
The news follows the release of the Society's 'Good Beach Guide', which attributes a record number of beaches across the UK achieving recommendation to the driest British summer since 2003.
Murlough, Tyrella, Millisle, Crawfordsburn and Helen's Bay in County Down, Brown's Bay, Ballygalley, Carnlough, Waterfoot, Portrush, Portrush East and Portrush West in County Antrim, along with Portstewart, Magilligan (Downhill) and Magilligan (Benone) in County Londonderry, all achieved 'Recommended' status.
Across the UK, 538 out of 734 (73%) beaches tested during last summer were designated as having "excellent" water quality, amounting to 135 more than the previous year. There were also fewer failures, with just fourteen beaches tested last summer failing to reach minimum water quality standards.
MCS Coastal Pollution Officer Rachel Wyatt said the dry weather last summer meant less pollution was washed from land into the sea, contributing to the rise in water quality at British beaches.
"It’s great news that we are able to recommend more beaches than ever for excellent water quality and it shows just how good British beaches can be,” she said. "The main challenge now is maintaining these standards, whatever the weather."
(IT/MH)
The news follows the release of the Society's 'Good Beach Guide', which attributes a record number of beaches across the UK achieving recommendation to the driest British summer since 2003.
Murlough, Tyrella, Millisle, Crawfordsburn and Helen's Bay in County Down, Brown's Bay, Ballygalley, Carnlough, Waterfoot, Portrush, Portrush East and Portrush West in County Antrim, along with Portstewart, Magilligan (Downhill) and Magilligan (Benone) in County Londonderry, all achieved 'Recommended' status.
Across the UK, 538 out of 734 (73%) beaches tested during last summer were designated as having "excellent" water quality, amounting to 135 more than the previous year. There were also fewer failures, with just fourteen beaches tested last summer failing to reach minimum water quality standards.
MCS Coastal Pollution Officer Rachel Wyatt said the dry weather last summer meant less pollution was washed from land into the sea, contributing to the rise in water quality at British beaches.
"It’s great news that we are able to recommend more beaches than ever for excellent water quality and it shows just how good British beaches can be,” she said. "The main challenge now is maintaining these standards, whatever the weather."
(IT/MH)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Bright spells with a few showers continuing through this evening. Some drier, clearer periods in the early hours, before cloud builds and showers turn more persistent towards dawn. Minimum temperature 4 °C.
