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Irish Daily Mirror
08-05-2025
- Climate
- Irish Daily Mirror
Two Irish beaches deemed to have 'poor' quality bathing water, EPA report finds
Two Irish beaches have been deemed to have poor quality bathing water, according to a report published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The water in Lady's Bay in Buncrana, County Donegal and Dublin's Sandymount Beach failed to meet the EPA's standards for 2024, with factors such as contamination from dog fouling and drain misconnections among the main reasons for the classification. Bathing water classified as 'poor' usually means a risk of microbiological pollution to swimmers, which could result in gastric upset or skin rashes. Management plans are currently in place at both beaches to identify and mitigate any sources of pollution. These beaches are also more vulnerable to pollution incidents, which can lead authorities to temporarily impose bathing restrictions. Once the water is deemed to no longer pose a risk to swimmers, these restrictions are typically lifted. Just two beaches having poor quality bathing water represents a net decrease from the previous year, when five bathing sites were classified in that category. Across the board, Irish bathing water quality was high in 2024. In total, 96 per cent of sites surveyed (145 of 151) either met or exceeded the EPA's minimum standard, up two per cent from 2023. Three new beaches were identified as part of the report - Half-Moon in County Dublin, Dromineer Lake in County Tipperary and The Cove in Greystones, County Wicklow. Half-Moon was judged to have 'excellent' water quality, while more samples must be taken from the latter two before they are fully incorporated. Additionally, 81 per cent of beaches surveyed were deemed to have excellent water quality. "We are happy to bring a positive news story on our bathing water quality for 2024, which is overall very good," said Dr Eimear Cotter, director of the EPA's Office of Evidence and Assessment. "Indeed, we have the highest number of 'Excellent' classifications for bathing waters since 2014. However, heavy rainfall during another bathing season has emphasised the need to build climate resilience into the management of bathing waters." Heavy rainfall - which can lead to deterioration in bathing water quality - posed a great challenge to many beach authorities last year. Patches of localised rainfall in parts of the north and northwest forced the restriction and closure of multiple beaches to protect public health - however, the number of restrictions decreased from 2023 to 2024. "Local authorities must step up their efforts to improve their understanding of causes of pollution from heavy rainfall and how this impacts beaches," said Cotter. "This is also important outside the official bathing water season as more and more people are enjoying outdoor swimming all year round." Urban wastewater incidents were the most frequent cause of beach closures last year, with run-off from agriculture, dog fouling and household wastewater being directed to surface drains instead of sewers (known as a 'misconnection') also common. In total, 34 pollution incidents were reported to the EPA in 2024, compared to 45 in 2023. On top of more serious pollution incidents, the EPA also issued 79 'prior warning' notices to beachgoers last year, compared to 143 in 2023, a sharp decline. These notices typically warn of short-term pollution to bathing water, commonly caused by heavy rainfall. Prior warnings last for only a few days, and are rescinded once the water is deemed safe again. Information on any incident regarding beach water is available throughout the bathing season, from the June 1 to September 15. Swimmers are encouraged to visit before planning a trip to the seaside.
Irish Examiner
07-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Rise in low-emission slurry spreading puts Ireland on track for ammonia target
Ireland has met its EU emissions reduction targets for all five major air pollutants, the latest EPA assessment has shown. These include ammonia, non-methane volatile organic compounds, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and fine particulate matter, all of which can impact air quality, health and the environment. Agriculture accounts for over 99% of ammonia emissions in Ireland and has previously been in non-compliance with EU targets. A decrease of 4% in ammonia emissions in 2023 was driven by an 18% reduction in nitrogen fertiliser use and increased use of low-emission slurry spreading (LESS). This brings ammonia into compliance with the EU Emission Reduction target. Ammonia emissions decreased by 4% in 2023, which was put down to the increased use of low-emission slurry spreading on farms as well as a reduction in nitrogen fertiliser use. While the move away from fossil fuel use in power generation and residential heating has been key in driving down emissions in three of the five key air pollutants: sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and fine particulate matter. Commenting on the findings, Dr Eimear Cotter, director of the EPA's Office of Evidence and Assessment, said the reductions would have "multiple benefits" for air quality, human health and ecosystems. "It shows that implementation of policies and measures delivers results in terms of reducing air pollutants. In particular, there is a welcome reduction in ammonia emissions in 2023, reflecting the impact and benefits of the on-farm adoption of a range of good farming practices driven and supported by national policies," she said. 'The use of low-emission slurry spreading on farms avoided the release of 7,000t of ammonia to the atmosphere. In addition, reduced fertiliser use contributed to reductions in ammonia emissions. Acceleration and widespread implementation of such practices are needed to keep Ireland on the pathway to better air quality and ongoing compliance with EU 2030 targets.' Read More The best way to utilise pig slurry on tillage land
