Menu
02/05/2003
Report shows decline in NI beach water quality
A UK wide report has revealed that the water quality at many of Northern Ireland's most popular beaches is getting worse.
The Marine Conservation Society tests water quality throughout the UK on a regular basis and recommended that only four out of 27 beaches in the province were up to standard.
Last year Northern Ireland was at the top of the UK with nine beaches recommended.
The four local beaches recommended included Benone Strand in Co Londonderry and Whiterocks in Co Antrim.
Two beaches, Ballygally and Brown's Bay near Larne in Co Antrim failed to meet even the minimum standards because of their high bacterial count.
Commenting on the report, East Londonderry Ulster Unionist David McClarty says the tide must start to turn on the falling standards of some of the North Coast's beaches.
The Coleraine Councillor was speaking after two Portrush beaches lost their recommendations from the Marine Conservation Society in its latest guide.
He said: “Water quality is the big issue here and we cannot afford to let standards slide because these beaches are the jewels in our tourism crown.
“The situation should improve when the new waste water treatment works situated between Portrush and Portstewart is up and running.
“Ideally, the Department of Regional Development should have proceeded with the additional tertiary treatment in the project which will serve the area for the next 30 years.
“I understand that the site is large enough to permit the construction of a tertiary treatment facility should standards be more rigorous in future. However, there was no great desire to invest the additional £2m required in addition to meeting running costs.
“The Water Service says that it would not be a viable option given that the proposed works would treat waste water to required standards.”
Councillor McClarty said he had been given an assurance that the one kilometre outfall of waste would ensure that existing water quality standards for bathing beaches would be met and no effluent would be returned to the adjacent beaches.
“This is vitally important for an area which is so heavily dependent on tourism and the necessity to maintain the highest standards of its beaches.”
(MB)
The Marine Conservation Society tests water quality throughout the UK on a regular basis and recommended that only four out of 27 beaches in the province were up to standard.
Last year Northern Ireland was at the top of the UK with nine beaches recommended.
The four local beaches recommended included Benone Strand in Co Londonderry and Whiterocks in Co Antrim.
Two beaches, Ballygally and Brown's Bay near Larne in Co Antrim failed to meet even the minimum standards because of their high bacterial count.
Commenting on the report, East Londonderry Ulster Unionist David McClarty says the tide must start to turn on the falling standards of some of the North Coast's beaches.
The Coleraine Councillor was speaking after two Portrush beaches lost their recommendations from the Marine Conservation Society in its latest guide.
He said: “Water quality is the big issue here and we cannot afford to let standards slide because these beaches are the jewels in our tourism crown.
“The situation should improve when the new waste water treatment works situated between Portrush and Portstewart is up and running.
“Ideally, the Department of Regional Development should have proceeded with the additional tertiary treatment in the project which will serve the area for the next 30 years.
“I understand that the site is large enough to permit the construction of a tertiary treatment facility should standards be more rigorous in future. However, there was no great desire to invest the additional £2m required in addition to meeting running costs.
“The Water Service says that it would not be a viable option given that the proposed works would treat waste water to required standards.”
Councillor McClarty said he had been given an assurance that the one kilometre outfall of waste would ensure that existing water quality standards for bathing beaches would be met and no effluent would be returned to the adjacent beaches.
“This is vitally important for an area which is so heavily dependent on tourism and the necessity to maintain the highest standards of its beaches.”
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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.
26 May 2006
NI beaches included in 'Good Beach Guide'
Eight Northern Ireland beaches have been included in this year's Good Beach Guide. Although this is an increase on last year's total of six, the Marine Conservation Society has said that the number is still too few.
NI beaches included in 'Good Beach Guide'
Eight Northern Ireland beaches have been included in this year's Good Beach Guide. Although this is an increase on last year's total of six, the Marine Conservation Society has said that the number is still too few.
29 April 2002
Disappointing year for Northern Ireland's beaches
Minister of the Environment Dermot Nesbitt said he was "disheartened" by the Marine Conservation Society’s (MCS) Good Beach Guide 2002 which announced a decrease in the number of clean beaches in the province. Mr Nesbitt said: "Northern Ireland has gained recognition in the annual independent guide with nine recommended beaches.
Disappointing year for Northern Ireland's beaches
Minister of the Environment Dermot Nesbitt said he was "disheartened" by the Marine Conservation Society’s (MCS) Good Beach Guide 2002 which announced a decrease in the number of clean beaches in the province. Mr Nesbitt said: "Northern Ireland has gained recognition in the annual independent guide with nine recommended beaches.
19 August 2002
Work begins on £20m Mourne water treatment works
Regional Development Minister Peter Robinson has helped to lay the foundations of the new £20 million Mourne Water Treatment Works at Drumaroad, near Castlewellan. It will be the largest Water Treatment Works to be constructed in Northern Ireland and will treat 155 million litres of water per day, supplied from the Silent Valley in the Mournes.
Work begins on £20m Mourne water treatment works
Regional Development Minister Peter Robinson has helped to lay the foundations of the new £20 million Mourne Water Treatment Works at Drumaroad, near Castlewellan. It will be the largest Water Treatment Works to be constructed in Northern Ireland and will treat 155 million litres of water per day, supplied from the Silent Valley in the Mournes.
03 October 2023
Report Highlights Quality Of NI Drinking Water
Northern Ireland's drinking water remains at a 'high standard', according to the new Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) report for 2022.
Report Highlights Quality Of NI Drinking Water
Northern Ireland's drinking water remains at a 'high standard', according to the new Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) report for 2022.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
