Following the significant rainfall in Dublin last night and expected this weekend, several beaches have been issued with bathing prohibitions notices.
Irish Water confirmed that there had been a significant overflow from the storm storage tanks at the Ringsend Wastewater treatment plant which flowed into the River Liffey during the early hours of Friday morning.
As a result, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown has issued the notice for Seapoint, Sandycove, 40ft, Killiney and Whiterock which is in place until 6pm on Saturday.
They said that: "Testing has been undertaken early this morning. We will continue to assess the risk to water quality based on test results and information provided by Irish Water.
"Bathing water results will be published here . Water testing results are available approximately two days after sampling."
Dublin City Council has also issued the same warning for three beaches, Dollymount, Merrion and Sandymount with both situations being reviewed tomorrow.
Dublin City Council said that they will "continue to monitor water quality at each of these bathing waters and keep the public informed of bathing water quality in accordance with the Bathing Water Quality Regulations 2008".
They added: "The Council regrets this weather based event and will lift the prohibition notices as soon as the water quality results are at the required standard, in consultation with the EPA and the HSE."
Also, Fingal County Council has issued a Temporary Advisory Notice in respect of swimming for Velvet Strand in Portmarnock.
This will be in place for 72 hours "due to the risk of deterioration of water quality due to the expected heavy rainfall".
The notice issued by Fingal CoCo states that in order to reduce the risk of illness, beach users should take the following precautions:
- Avoid swallowing or splashing water
- Wash your hands before handling food
- Avoid swimming with an open cut or wound
- Avoid swimming if you are pregnant or have a weakened immune system
Further testing took place this morning and the results of the laboratory analysis will be available on Monday August 12th.
If clear, it is hoped that the notice will be lifted.
Members of the public intending to enter the water at any beach in Dublin are advised to check the water quality in advance by accessing the EPA website at www.beaches.ie or by checking the notice board at the entrance to each beach.
