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15/04/2014
NI Beaches Rated 'Excellent'
Fifteen beaches in Northern Ireland have been rated 'excellent' for water quality by the Marine Conservation Society.
The news follows the release of the Society's 'Good Beach Guide', which attributes a record number of beaches across the UK achieving recommendation to the driest British summer since 2003.
Murlough, Tyrella, Millisle, Crawfordsburn and Helen's Bay in County Down, Brown's Bay, Ballygalley, Carnlough, Waterfoot, Portrush, Portrush East and Portrush West in County Antrim, along with Portstewart, Magilligan (Downhill) and Magilligan (Benone) in County Londonderry, all achieved 'Recommended' status.
Across the UK, 538 out of 734 (73%) beaches tested during last summer were designated as having "excellent" water quality, amounting to 135 more than the previous year. There were also fewer failures, with just fourteen beaches tested last summer failing to reach minimum water quality standards.
MCS Coastal Pollution Officer Rachel Wyatt said the dry weather last summer meant less pollution was washed from land into the sea, contributing to the rise in water quality at British beaches.
"It’s great news that we are able to recommend more beaches than ever for excellent water quality and it shows just how good British beaches can be,” she said. "The main challenge now is maintaining these standards, whatever the weather."
(IT/MH)
The news follows the release of the Society's 'Good Beach Guide', which attributes a record number of beaches across the UK achieving recommendation to the driest British summer since 2003.
Murlough, Tyrella, Millisle, Crawfordsburn and Helen's Bay in County Down, Brown's Bay, Ballygalley, Carnlough, Waterfoot, Portrush, Portrush East and Portrush West in County Antrim, along with Portstewart, Magilligan (Downhill) and Magilligan (Benone) in County Londonderry, all achieved 'Recommended' status.
Across the UK, 538 out of 734 (73%) beaches tested during last summer were designated as having "excellent" water quality, amounting to 135 more than the previous year. There were also fewer failures, with just fourteen beaches tested last summer failing to reach minimum water quality standards.
MCS Coastal Pollution Officer Rachel Wyatt said the dry weather last summer meant less pollution was washed from land into the sea, contributing to the rise in water quality at British beaches.
"It’s great news that we are able to recommend more beaches than ever for excellent water quality and it shows just how good British beaches can be,” she said. "The main challenge now is maintaining these standards, whatever the weather."
(IT/MH)
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27 March 2013
NI Beaches Have 'Excellent' Water Quality
Overall, Northern Ireland's beaches have 'excellent' water quality, according to a newly-published study by the Marine Conservation Society (MSC). This is despite one beach, at Newcastle in County Down, failing to meet the minimum EU standard for bathing water quality.
NI Beaches Have 'Excellent' Water Quality
Overall, Northern Ireland's beaches have 'excellent' water quality, according to a newly-published study by the Marine Conservation Society (MSC). This is despite one beach, at Newcastle in County Down, failing to meet the minimum EU standard for bathing water quality.
04 July 2012
Two Beaches Fail Water Quality Tests
Environment Minister Alex Attwood has revealed that extreme weather caused two of Northern Ireland's beaches to experience a temporary dip in water quality last week.
Two Beaches Fail Water Quality Tests
Environment Minister Alex Attwood has revealed that extreme weather caused two of Northern Ireland's beaches to experience a temporary dip in water quality last week.
28 May 2004
Quality of water at NI beaches improves
The quality the water at Northern Ireland's beaches has improved over the last year, a new survey has revealed. The Marine Conservation Society said that 8 out of 27 beaches in the province had met the necessary EU safety standards, compared with four in 2003.
Quality of water at NI beaches improves
The quality the water at Northern Ireland's beaches has improved over the last year, a new survey has revealed. The Marine Conservation Society said that 8 out of 27 beaches in the province had met the necessary EU safety standards, compared with four in 2003.
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.
