A 'Do Not Swim' notice has been issued this evening for Loughshinny Beach in north Dublin due to high levels of E.coli bacteria.
The popular beach, which is location between Rush and Skerries, is still open to the public but beach users have been urged to avoid swimming in the sea due to a high level of E.coli. High bacteria levels were found in a sample taken on 11 July.
According to Fingal County Council, the high result is likely due to contamination from dogs or other animals. The ban will be reviewed on 15 July when the water is sampled again.
Read more: Dog dies days after being rescued following weeks of running loose near the M50
Fingal County Council issued the notice today, saying people at the beach should avoid swimming and wash their hands before eating anything if they have gotten them wet. They said: "A bathing water resample is being scheduled with results expected on the 15/7/22 when the prohibition will be reviewed.
"Loughshinny Beach remains open but beach users are asked to respect the ‘Do Not Swim’ notice as it has been put in place to ensure that the health of bathers is not compromised."
E.coli is a a type of bacteria that normally lives in your intestines and it's also found in the gut of some animals. Most types of E. coli are harmless, but some strains can cause diarrhea if you eat contaminated food or drink fouled water, and people that are pregnant or have a weakened immune system are particularly at risk.
Members of the public can check for water quality at any of the monitored bathing waters in Ireland in advance by accessing the EPA website , at or by checking the notice board at the entrance to each beach. Beach waters are deemed to be of a “poor” standard if there is predicted to be more than a 10% chance of contracting gastro-intestinal illness from swimming in it.
Read next:
- Dublin weather: 'Hot plume' could send temperatures soaring to 29C this weekend
- Paw-fect bargain heatwave dog swimming pool available in Dealz
- Children reported missing after thick sea fog took over Dublin beaches
- Lifeboats launched after yacht carrying family of four runs aground in Malahide
- 'Total whiteout' on Donabate beach as swimmers 'ordered out of water' due to fog
Sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter to get all the latest Dublin news straight to your inbox
