No Swim notice for Balbriggan.

A precautionary “do not swim” notice has been issued for Balbriggan beach.

Tests have been carried out on the water at the beach and the council said it hoped the results of these would be received in the comming days and that the restriction could be listed if the samples are given the all clear.

Bathing water samples are taken regularly at Balbriggan Beach during the summer bathing season.

Tuesday, August 21 Press Release

Fingal County Council has issued a Temporary Advisory Notice in respect of swimming at Front Strand beach, Balbriggan for 72 hours due to suspected impacts from animals/birds or contaminated surface water catchment runoff.

The Advisory Notice states that to reduce the risk of illness, beach users should take the following precautions:

• Avoid swallowing or splashing water

• Wash your hands before handling food

• Avoid swimming with an open cut or wound

• Avoid swimming if you are pregnant or have a weakened immune system

Further testing is taking place today, August 21st , and the results of laboratory analysis will be available on Thursday August 23rd. If clear, it is hoped that the notice will be lifted.

The Front Strand beach remains open but beach users are asked to respect the advisory notice as it has been put in place to ensure that the health of bathers is not compromised.

Members of the public intending to enter the water at any beach in Ireland are advised to check the water quality in advance by accessing the EPA website at www.beaches.ie or by checking the notice board at the entrance to each beach.