Do not swim notices issued for two Cork island beaches

Cork County Council have issued a do not swim notice for two West Cork islands due to high levels of bacteria in the water.

The public were warned to stay out of the water at both Sherkin Island’s Silver Strand and Cape Clear’s South Harbour Beach, off the coast of Baltimore, this morning.

Microbiological tests and investigations are to be conducted over the coming days, and updates will be provided at the council’s X (formerly Twitter) account.

A council spokesperson said: “Due to high levels of bacteria in the bathing water, in the interest of public health and in consultation with the Health Service Executive (HSE), Prohibition Notices (Not to Swim) have been issued for Sherkin Island Silver Strand and Oileán Chléire South Harbour Beach.” 

They added: “Further microbiological tests and investigations will be carried out today and in the coming days.”