03/05/2012
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. All 24 of Northern Ireland’s European identified bathing waters passed the standards of the EC Bathing Waters Directive in 2011.Twenty achieved the EC's higher Excellent standard.
Mr Attwood said: "Our natural assets are a huge part of the quality of our lives, tourist growth and new jobs. It is great to see our improving water standard being publicised throughout the islands. It is a good advert for the quality of our natural heritage.
"The guide now recommends 16 of our beaches, up from 10 last year. This is a good endorsement of our water quality management plans and will be a great support to the coastal economy.
'All water quality is vulnerable to heavy rainfall events. To both preserve and improve on this excellent progress, all agencies must remain vigilant.
"I am sure that this improvement will also be reflected at the Blue Flag and Seaside awards later this month. These awards recognise beach management standards and facilities as well as water quality."
(CD/GK)
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. All 24 of Northern Ireland’s European identified bathing waters passed the standards of the EC Bathing Waters Directive in 2011.Twenty achieved the EC's higher Excellent standard.
Mr Attwood said: "Our natural assets are a huge part of the quality of our lives, tourist growth and new jobs. It is great to see our improving water standard being publicised throughout the islands. It is a good advert for the quality of our natural heritage.
"The guide now recommends 16 of our beaches, up from 10 last year. This is a good endorsement of our water quality management plans and will be a great support to the coastal economy.
'All water quality is vulnerable to heavy rainfall events. To both preserve and improve on this excellent progress, all agencies must remain vigilant.
"I am sure that this improvement will also be reflected at the Blue Flag and Seaside awards later this month. These awards recognise beach management standards and facilities as well as water quality."
(CD/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 September 2014
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.
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.
04 November 2010
Seaside Gets Cleaner Bill Of Health
The seaside bathing areas in NI are getting better, according to a water quality survey with just two out of 24 sites tested around the coast failing to meet the required European standards.
Seaside Gets Cleaner Bill Of Health
The seaside bathing areas in NI are getting better, according to a water quality survey with just two out of 24 sites tested around the coast failing to meet the required European standards.
20 September 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.
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.
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.
22 November 2023
96% Of NI's Bathing Water Meets Quality Standards
96% of Northern Ireland's bathing waters have met the required standards for water quality, continuing to perform well in 2023 despite it being the wettest July in NI since records began. Twenty-five of the 26 identified bathing waters met the required standards for water quality when measured against the standards for faecal indicator organisms.
96% Of NI's Bathing Water Meets Quality Standards
96% of Northern Ireland's bathing waters have met the required standards for water quality, continuing to perform well in 2023 despite it being the wettest July in NI since records began. Twenty-five of the 26 identified bathing waters met the required standards for water quality when measured against the standards for faecal indicator organisms.
-
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.