The results from the annual monitoring programme of local bathing water quality have shown that the quality of bathing water in Northern Ireland has improved, with 16 out of 24 areas meeting guideline standards.

Under the 1976 EC Bathing Waters Directive 24 sites in Northern Ireland are formally identified with the monitoring programme in place since 1988. The waters are sampled on 20 occasions during the summer months by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) for bacterial contamination and other indicators of pollution.

Edwin Poots, Environment Minister said

“Northern Ireland Water is continuing to invest millions in sewerage system upgrades. Farmers are now delivering on improved slurry storage and handling systems. Environmentally friendly working systems are now the norm in industry. My Department will continue to press for the high standards of operation and maintenance so that we can all benefit from this huge, ongoing investment. We have a wonderful coastline and great bathing waters which deserve high levels of protection.”

All but two of Northern Ireland’s 24 identified bathing waters passed the EC’s Bathing Water Directive. Ballyholme and Newcastle failed to meet the Directive’s requirements. Neither failure has been attributed to a specific pollution incident. However, both areas are in the process of having major sewerage infrastructure upgrades as part of a planned response to acknowledged deficiencies.