Bathing bans lifted at Brittas Bay and Garryvoe beaches

A bathing ban at Brittas Bay in Co Wicklow, in place since Thursday, has been lifted today following improved water quality tests.

Wicklow County Council had issued a prohibition order against entering the water after initial tests revealed "poor water quality".

In a statement today, the council said “the prohibition on bathing at Brittas Bay South has been removed by Wicklow County Council.

“Sampling of the water by the Council on August 7th has found that bathing water quality is excellent,” it added.

The council had earlier said the reason for the original water problems was not known but sewage was ruled out as a factor.

“It was noted at the time of sampling that the sea was quite choppy and churning up sand, so this may have been a factor,” a council spokesman said.

A bathing ban put in place at Garryvoe Beach in Co Cork after test results showed elevated levels of bacteria in the water has also been lifted.

Runoff from the hinterland surrounding the beach was the likely cause, according to Cork County Council.

The council said the latest set of tests had shown water quality to be excellent.