Do not swim notices lifted at two Cork beaches

Do not swim notices have been lifted at both Owenahincha and Warren Beaches in Rosscarbery following tests on the water quality.

The notice warning people not to swim was issued for the two West Cork beaches due to high levels of bacteria in the water on Tuesday of this week.

It was the second such notice for the Warren in two months, with locals and public representatives saying that the notices have been an ongoing issue over the last 15 years and will continue until a nearby wastewater treatment plant is updated.

Cork County Council has announced that, following comprehensive follow-up monitoring by its Environment Directorate, and in consultation with HSE, that the advisory notices not to swim have now been lifted.

Final test results made available on Thursday “show that the water quality at both beaches is now at excellent status,” they said.

The decision made to re-open both beaches was made based on solid scientific data from Cork County Council’s accredited laboratory in Inniscarra, as well as on the professional advice from its staff, and from colleagues in the HSE.

The council added: 

“When water quality is affected at County Cork beaches the council may have to take steps to advise or prohibit the public from entering the bathing waters.

“This is done for the purposes of public health, the protection of which is our top priority.

“However, the council also recognises that the many beautiful beaches along our coast are of vital importance to the local communities and to local business. This is why the council makes every effort to determine as soon as possible when a bathing water is again safe to use.”