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22/05/2009
NI Beach Quality Drops
Only 30% of Northern Ireland beaches have been recommended for bathing in this year's Good Beach Guide.
While Benone Beach in Co Londonderry, (pictured here by Brian McCalden) was a top performer, other well known shorelines were slammed.
The Marine Conservation Society (MSC) recommendation was given to just seven of 23 tested beaches in the province - three beaches less than last year.
According to the society years of under investment in the sewage infrastructure has had a detrimental affect.
Beaches suffered from heavy storm run-off carrying fertilisers and animal waste from farms into the river system.
Ballyholme Beach in Bangor, Co Down, failed to meet the minimum legal water quality standard while 12 beaches received a basic pass.
A spokesperson from MCS said: "Heavy summer rains caused a significant dip in water quality but the province is now undergoing a £420m sewerage investment programme which MCS hopes will start bringing improvements in the near future."
UK wide the number of beaches recommended for swimming fell a record 16.7% year on year that's 370 beaches out of 777 tested, down from 444 last year.
Angela Halpenny, of NI Water said: "While we are taking steps to improve our wastewater systems and progress is starting to be seen, we do acknowledge that there is still work to be done.
"Weather plays a major role in the quality of bathing water. During periods of heavy rainfall, the sewage system can overflow, which it is designed to do, to alleviate the sewer flooding.
"Last summer's high rainfall increased the frequency of overflows and run-off from agricultural land and urban areas."
Ms Halpenny said £3.5m sewage improvement works are underway which will contribute to improvements in the bathing water quality in the area.
(GK)
While Benone Beach in Co Londonderry, (pictured here by Brian McCalden) was a top performer, other well known shorelines were slammed.
The Marine Conservation Society (MSC) recommendation was given to just seven of 23 tested beaches in the province - three beaches less than last year.
According to the society years of under investment in the sewage infrastructure has had a detrimental affect.
Beaches suffered from heavy storm run-off carrying fertilisers and animal waste from farms into the river system.
Ballyholme Beach in Bangor, Co Down, failed to meet the minimum legal water quality standard while 12 beaches received a basic pass.
A spokesperson from MCS said: "Heavy summer rains caused a significant dip in water quality but the province is now undergoing a £420m sewerage investment programme which MCS hopes will start bringing improvements in the near future."
UK wide the number of beaches recommended for swimming fell a record 16.7% year on year that's 370 beaches out of 777 tested, down from 444 last year.
Angela Halpenny, of NI Water said: "While we are taking steps to improve our wastewater systems and progress is starting to be seen, we do acknowledge that there is still work to be done.
"Weather plays a major role in the quality of bathing water. During periods of heavy rainfall, the sewage system can overflow, which it is designed to do, to alleviate the sewer flooding.
"Last summer's high rainfall increased the frequency of overflows and run-off from agricultural land and urban areas."
Ms Halpenny said £3.5m sewage improvement works are underway which will contribute to improvements in the bathing water quality in the area.
(GK)
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
