Swimming ban in place at popular Clare beach due to elevated levels of bacteria
CLARE County Council has implemented a bathing and swimming ban at Lahinch beach following the detection of elevated levels of bacteria in the water.
The local authority says the decision to raise a Red Flag, which takes immediate effect, was taken on the advice of the Health Service Executive.
A spokesperson says the restriction has been introduced after the results of routine bathing water samples showed elevated levels of bacteria.
"Run-off from the catchment after exceptionally heavy rainfall is identified as a cause of the elevated levels of bacteria in the water," he said adding that in accordance with An Taisce’s Blue Flag programme, the Blue Flag at Lahinch will be removed until such time as the water quality improves.
The ban on swimming and bathing will remain in place until the bacteria levels return to normal levels.