Dublin beach loses its Blue Flag

An Taisce has suspended Blue Flag status at Seapoint beach in Dublin following an increase in the level of bacteria in the bathing water.

Swimmers at the popular south Dublin bathing spot had complained of the colour and odour of the water in the last few weeks, as well as the presence of detritus on the beach. Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council confirmed there had been an "overflow" at the West Pier sewage pumping station, which pumps sewage to the city treatment plant at Ringsend. This was caused by heavy rainfall, the council said.

Blue Flag status is awarded to more than 3,000 beaches and marinas in 28 countries each year to symbolise high standards in water quality, safety and services. The bathing water quality must meet EU guidelines for coliform bacteria in the water, which indicate the presence of sewage.

Local authorities are required to test the water every two weeks during the bathing season. According to guidelines, coliforms should ideally be less than 500 per 100mls of water.

Occasional raised levels are allowed a few times during the season, but if figures reach over 10,000 per 100mls, the Blue Flag must be removed.

Lucy Hunt, Blue Flag manager with An Taisce, told The Irish Timesthat the flag was withdrawn because of an increase in microbiological values.

She said the situation would be reviewed when the Environmental Protection Agency issued its report on bathing water quality next March and the flag may be restored next year.