Do Not Swim Notice issued for Dublin beach over “unacceptable levels of bacteria”

An investigation into the cause of the bacteria is underway.

A temporary Do Not Swim Notice has been issued for Malahide Beach in Dublin due to "unacceptable levels of bacteria" in a bathing water sample taken on 3 August. The cause of the bacteria is currently unknown, with Fingal County Council stating that an investigation is underway. "Water quality deterioration unknown, no issues with sewerage system," the notice reads. In a statement, the council noted that Malahide has a constant red flag with swimming never advised at the beach. A resample of the bathing water was taken today (5 August), with the results due on 7 August when the notice will be reviewed. Malahide Beach remains open but beach users are asked to respect the Do Not Swim notices as they are in place to ensure "the health of bathers is not compromised". Meanwhile, all the beaches that Fingal County Council identifies as bathing waters - including beaches in Portmarnock, Sutton and Howth - met the standard for “excellent” quality.

Bathing Water quality results for samples taken on Tuesday 3rd August, 2021. Do Not Swim Notice issued for Malahide Beach All identified bathing waters met the standard for “excellent” quality. The non-identified bathing water at Malahide Beach met with “poor” status. pic.twitter.com/0SEkok1AkP

— Fingal County Council (@Fingalcoco) August 5, 2021

The next scheduled sampling date for these beaches is Tuesday, 17 August. Members of the public can check for water quality at any of the monitored bathing waters in Ireland in advance by visiting beaches.ie. They can also check the notice board at the entrance to each beach.