Life’s a beach after negative tests

Ballybunion: Safe to swim again

BATHING water samples taken at Ballybunion North and South beaches in recent days have tested negative for any bacterial matter.

Accordingly, the swimming prohibition notices erected earlier this week have been removed.

Bathing in the holiday hotspot Ballybunion was deemed off limits on Wednesday after tests indicated an elevated level of e-coli associated with bacterial input from the catchment.

The finding was associated with the very high rainfall the previous Saturday when the Valentia met station recorded 28.9mm.

As required under European bathing water regulations, Kerry County Council carries out testing of designated bathing waters during the bathing season from June to September. Heavy rainfall can collect and deposit bacteria, mainly from animal faeces, at the river outflows close to beaches.

In instances where the levels of bacteria arising from testing exceed stated levels in the bathing water regulations, the council is obliged by the HSE to erect bathing notices to protect public health.

The local authority has thanked the public for their patience and co-operation in observing the signage at the beach.

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