Cork beaches rated as 'excellent' or 'good' by Environmental Protection Agency

The bathing waters of all of Cork’s 15 beaches, which are monitored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), have been classified as excellent or good in the EPA’s 2024 report.

While 12 of the county’s beaches have been ranked as excellent, three have been classified as good by the EPA. 

The three beaches ranked as ‘good’ are the Warren, Coolmaine and Garryvoe. 

The beaches with bathing water described as ‘excellent’ are both Youghal beaches - the Front Strand and Claycastle, Red Barn, Fountainstown, Garrylucas, Garretstown, Inchydoney (East and West), Owenahincha, Little Island Strand, Tragumna and Barley Cove

According to an EPA statement, urban wastewater related incidents were the most frequently reported cause of 2024 beach closures.

“Run-off from agriculture, fouling from dogs and wastewater from properties going to surface water drains rather than sewer (known as misconnections) also impacted on bathing waters,” the report stated.

“Heavy rainfall and associated wastewater overflows, and runoff from agricultural lands and urban areas, can cause short term deterioration in water quality.”

Positive news

The director of the EPA office of evidence and assessment, Dr Eimear Cotter, said the agency was “happy to bring a positive news on our bathing water for 2024.”

“However, heavy rainfall during another bathing season has emphasised the need to build climate resilience into the management of bathing waters,” said Dr Cotter. 

“Heavy rainfall in the West and North West last August especially resulted in many beaches being closed to protect swimmers’ health.

“Local authorities must step up their efforts to improve their understanding of causes of heavy rainfall pollution and its impact on beaches. This is also important outside the official bathing water season as more people are enjoy outdoor swimming all year round.”