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20/09/2011
Cleanest NI Waters Praised
All 24 of Northern Ireland's identified beaches passed the EC Bathing Waters Directive mandatory standards for water quality in 2011.
Environment Minister Alex Attwood today announced the news in advance of the Second Good Beach Summit and said: "These are the best results in the last 15 years equalling those achieved in 1996.
"This is good and improving news for all of our beach users and shows that investment in all areas of water quality management is paying dividends.
"However, more is needed to be done - particularly with even more demanding EU directives now on the horizon.
"That is why I am holding the Second Good Beach Summit to ensure all key players work together," he explained.
Twenty of the beaches achieved the higher guideline standards and will be eligible, on water quality criteria, to apply for the Blue Flag award in 2012.
The other four beaches still passed the requirement level but at the slightly lower mandatory level.
The comparatively dry weather in August helped coastal water quality but many of our seaside areas are still vulnerable to avoidable pollution events.
The Minister added: "Improvements will have to continue because standards for public health protection are changing. The revised Bathing Waters Directive is raising the bar and water quality standards will be even more demanding.
"By 2015 permitted bacterial levels will reduce by around 50%.
"Many of our bathing waters already achieve this standard but others will not meet the tighter standards."
In June Minister Attwood hosted a Good Beach Summit that brought together beach managers, local councils, campaign groups and others to address the issues affecting beaches and bathing waters.
An Action Plan was drawn up under the four main headings; Improve Water Quality; Improve Beach Cleanliness, Facilities, Management and Signage; Keep Public and Media Better Informed; and Support the Coastal Economy and delegates at today's Summit will be invited to ratify the Action Plan and to review early progress towards its implementation.
With increased representation from coastal community groups and beach user groups, it is intended that coastal protection efforts will be better integrated.
The Minister continued: "We have a wonderful coastline which must be protected for everyone's enjoyment. Whether you walk or swim, surf or sunbathe, bird watch or picnic, the coast should be a great day out for everyone."
(BMcC/GK)
Environment Minister Alex Attwood today announced the news in advance of the Second Good Beach Summit and said: "These are the best results in the last 15 years equalling those achieved in 1996.
"This is good and improving news for all of our beach users and shows that investment in all areas of water quality management is paying dividends.
"However, more is needed to be done - particularly with even more demanding EU directives now on the horizon.
"That is why I am holding the Second Good Beach Summit to ensure all key players work together," he explained.
Twenty of the beaches achieved the higher guideline standards and will be eligible, on water quality criteria, to apply for the Blue Flag award in 2012.
The other four beaches still passed the requirement level but at the slightly lower mandatory level.
The comparatively dry weather in August helped coastal water quality but many of our seaside areas are still vulnerable to avoidable pollution events.
The Minister added: "Improvements will have to continue because standards for public health protection are changing. The revised Bathing Waters Directive is raising the bar and water quality standards will be even more demanding.
"By 2015 permitted bacterial levels will reduce by around 50%.
"Many of our bathing waters already achieve this standard but others will not meet the tighter standards."
In June Minister Attwood hosted a Good Beach Summit that brought together beach managers, local councils, campaign groups and others to address the issues affecting beaches and bathing waters.
An Action Plan was drawn up under the four main headings; Improve Water Quality; Improve Beach Cleanliness, Facilities, Management and Signage; Keep Public and Media Better Informed; and Support the Coastal Economy and delegates at today's Summit will be invited to ratify the Action Plan and to review early progress towards its implementation.
With increased representation from coastal community groups and beach user groups, it is intended that coastal protection efforts will be better integrated.
The Minister continued: "We have a wonderful coastline which must be protected for everyone's enjoyment. Whether you walk or swim, surf or sunbathe, bird watch or picnic, the coast should be a great day out for everyone."
(BMcC/GK)
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19 September 2014
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The majority of Northern Ireland bathing waters met the higher guideline of 'excellent' standard for water quality last year, as set by the EU. In 2014, 16 of 23 identified bathing waters met the high standards as laid out in the EU Bathing Water Directive. A further six met the mandatory 'good' standard.
NI Bathing Waters Reach High Standards
The majority of Northern Ireland bathing waters met the higher guideline of 'excellent' standard for water quality last year, as set by the EU. In 2014, 16 of 23 identified bathing waters met the high standards as laid out in the EU Bathing Water Directive. A further six met the mandatory 'good' standard.
05 November 2003
Local beaches given clean bill of health
All 16 of Northern Ireland's beaches have passed the 2003 EU bathing water tests, placing them ahead of the rest of the UK.
Local beaches given clean bill of health
All 16 of Northern Ireland's beaches have passed the 2003 EU bathing water tests, placing them ahead of the rest of the UK.
03 May 2012
NI's Beaches Passing Bathing Water Standards Welcome
Environment Minister, Alex Attwood today welcomed the publication of the Marine Conservation Society Report, Good Beach Guide for 2012 passing EC standards for Northern Ireland's beaches. The recommendations in the guide are based on water quality measurement and perceived pollution risk at 24 of Northern Ireland's most popular bathing beaches.
NI's Beaches Passing Bathing Water Standards Welcome
Environment Minister, Alex Attwood today welcomed the publication of the Marine Conservation Society Report, Good Beach Guide for 2012 passing EC standards for Northern Ireland's beaches. The recommendations in the guide are based on water quality measurement and perceived pollution risk at 24 of Northern Ireland's most popular bathing beaches.
24 August 2007
NI Beaches Hit By Pollution Problems
Beach water quality on Northern Ireland strands has suffered this year due to the torrential rain and procession of storms across the UK and Ireland. The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) has reported that Ballyholme, Carnlough and Newcastle have met only "Basic Pass" standards.
NI Beaches Hit By Pollution Problems
Beach water quality on Northern Ireland strands has suffered this year due to the torrential rain and procession of storms across the UK and Ireland. The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) has reported that Ballyholme, Carnlough and Newcastle have met only "Basic Pass" standards.
17 October 2013
NI Beaches Achieve 100% Quality
Every one of Northern Ireland's 23 beaches officially identified as bathing waters have passed the EC Bathing Waters Directive mandatory standard for water quality. The announcement makes 2013 the best year ever for bathing water quality in Northern Ireland, since bathing waters were first designated under the EC Bathing Water Directive in 1994.
NI Beaches Achieve 100% Quality
Every one of Northern Ireland's 23 beaches officially identified as bathing waters have passed the EC Bathing Waters Directive mandatory standard for water quality. The announcement makes 2013 the best year ever for bathing water quality in Northern Ireland, since bathing waters were first designated under the EC Bathing Water Directive in 1994.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
