107 beaches across the country have been classified as excellent by the Environmental Protection Agency.
The EPA report shows ongoing improvement in the water quality, with three new bathing waters receiving the stamp of approval.
And the report also showed that 95% of waters (140 out of 147) met or exceeded the minimum standard, an increase of 1% over 2018’s figure.
However, water at five beaches was classified as poor and Merrion Strand in Dublin was declassified as bathing water after receiving the poor status for five years straight.
EPA Director Dr Micheál Lehane said: “The improvements in bathing water quality are welcome and it is good to see Local Authorities identifying and classifying new bathing waters.
“Local authorities must remain vigilant to ensure public health is protected and continue to identify and fix sources of water pollution which impact on our beaches.
“The declassification of Merrion Strand after five years at poor status is disappointing and action must be taken to ensure that no other bathing water is declassified in future.”
Mary Gurrie, EPA Programme Manager added: “Ireland has many beautiful beaches.
“Enjoying these natural amenities can be good for our physical and mental wellbeing, and it is therefore essential that Ireland maintains good bathing water quality.
“Throughout this summer water quality information and details of any incidents affecting bathing waters will be displayed on the www.beaches.ie website.”
Two bathing waters - Inchydoney East Beach in Cork and Cúas Crom in Kerry - were newly identified in 2019 and will be classified later this year.
Three bathing waters, all in Dublin, were classified for the first time, they are The Forty Foot Bathing Place (classified as ‘excellent’), White Rock Beach (classified as ‘excellent’), and Sandycove Beach (classified as ‘good’).
