Red Flag Restrictions Removed On North Coast Beaches

The Red Flag swimming restriction at Portstewart, Castlerock, Downhill and Benone beaches on the North Coast following the presence of blue-green algae, has now been removed.

The public has been urged to remain vigilant for pockets of blue-green algae residue and scum along the shoreline.

Samples taken by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) throughout the weekend from the bathing waters in Portstewart, Castlerock, Downhill and Benone, show that the Blue-Green Algae has now dispersed and the waters are safe to bathe in. The local bathing water operators have confirmed that all red flag warnings have now been removed.

DAERA will now revert to its regular weekly monitoring of the bathing waters.

If you suspect there is blue-green algae:

• Report it on the Bloomin Algae App: The Bloomin’ Algae App helps make reporting blue-green algae easier and quicker, allowing environmental experts to respond faster and issue public warnings more efficiently. It enables users to submit a photo of an algae bloom on their mobile device, along with the location and activities taking place in the associated waters. Bloomin’ Algae App is free to download directly from Google Play or App Store. Find out more at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology

• If you don’t have Bloomin Algae App – email photos to NIEA: Report the bloom to the Northern Ireland Environment Agency. You can report any suspected blooms, including photos and details of location, to our e-mail or make contact through our incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60.