Met Eireann has confirmed that we’re in for the odd sunny spell this weekend after a week of heavy rain.
While the sunny weather will prompt many to go to their local beaches for a swim, four popular Dublin locations have a ban in place after heavy rainfall.
The first beach with an active restriction is Sandymount Strand - which is in effect until July 11 due to potential pollution caused by the recent heavy showers.
A second five-day ban is in place for Dollymount strand, with swimmers told to stay out of the water due to the risk of deterioration in water quality.
Rush south beach is also off-limits to swimmers with a four-day ban in place due to suspected contamination of urban surface waters discharging into the bathing water.
Although it’s due to be lifted on July 9, if you’re planning on heading there you should check online prior to your trip as the date may be extended depending on circumstances.
Finally, you should avoid entering the water at Balbriggan, Front Strand Beach at all this season due to the water quality here deteriorating due to suspected contamination of urban surface waters discharging into the bathing water.
The reason for this restriction is because this beach was classified as having poor water quality following the 2020 bathing season.
Meanwhile, a general warning in place across Ireland reads: “After a heavy rainfall event, it is important to avoid contact with the water for at least 48 hours to prevent the risk of getting a recreational water illness.
“It is best to follow the 48-hour rule after significant rainfall even if beaches.ie, the local authority website or beach noticeboard show the water quality is okay for swimming as the information is showing the water quality of the last reported water sample and this may not accurately represent current water quality.”
