Bathers using South Dublin beaches have been warned to use precaution over potential overflows from Irish Water's Ringsend treatment plant.
A Status Yellow rain warning has been issued for all of Ireland from 7pm this evening with spot flooding expected in many parts of the country.
Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council have issued advisory notices at Seapoint, Sandycove, the 40 foot, Killiney and Whiterock as heavy rain has previously led to overflows from the plants causing water quality issues.
The council have issued advisory notices in advance of the rain and that tests will take place later in the week.
They said: "Considering the predicted rainfall amounts it is possible that overflows from the Irish Water wastewater treatment plants and infrastructure could occur.
"If this is the case it could have a negative effect on the quality of bathing water in the local area in the following days.
"The Council has taken the step today of issuing advisory notices at Seapoint, Sandycove, 40foot, Killiney and Whiterock bathing areas of the possibility of an increase in the levels of bacteria in bathing waters over the coming days.
"Please note that at the current time these are advisory notices only and are not prohibition notices.
"Notices are subject to change if the council receives information from Irish Water confirming an overspill."
They continued: "We will be monitoring rainfall and assessing the risk based on information provided by Irish Water.
"Additional testing of bathing waters will be carried out and published here. Water testing results are available approximately two days after sampling."
The council have issued the following precautions for bathers:
- Avoid swimming if you are pregnant or have a weakened immune system.
- Avoid swimming if you have an open cut or wound.
If you do swim:
- Shower after swimming.
- Avoid swallowing water.
- Wash hands before handling food.
