Bathing prohibition remains in place at Bettystown beach

Hannah McNamara

A BATHING prohibition is in place at Bettystown/Laytown beach following results of water quality test.

The water sampling that was taken on Monday, 31st July returned poor quality results. It discovered elevated bacterial levels.

Cllr Sharon Tolan immediately posted to social media advising the public to not swim in these waters "until further notice" as it may cause illness.

This poor microbial quality is said to have been likely caused by suspected impacts from animals and birds and contamination of urban surface waters discharging into bathing water.

Sharon Tolan stated that it is not only Bettystown and Laytown experiencing these issues:

"Generally speaking, many beaches around the country are experiencing similar results as heavy rainfall has had a negative impact on water quality."

The HSE have been notified and warning notices and prohibition signs have been distributed and posted at the beach on the information board.

Additionally a red flag will be flown by lifeguards and beach wardens are also on hand to advise the public.

A re-sampling was taken at the beach on the 3rd August and based on the results, in accordance with HSE/EPA guidance, the bathing water prohibition for Laytown/Bettystown remained in effect.

Following the recent flooding in Bettystown Cllr Tolan emphasised how important it is that we all observe the no swim rule:

"Meath County Council have been pumping waste water from the recent flooding event into the sea and this will of course increase the risk of contamination."

"Please wait for clear results before swimming."

"I am keeping a close eye on this and liaising with the environment team daily, so as soon as I know I will get the word out."

New water samples continue to be taken and the public are being advised to stay out of the waters until there are clear results from the lab.