Six of Ireland’s beaches have failed to meet minimum EU standards for clean water

Six of Ireland's most popular bathing spots have failed clean water tests by the EU, leaving swimmers with a one in 10 chance of getting sick.

There was some good news as 101 of the country's beaches were found to be pristine, but a small number will need to clean up their act. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the worst beaches were the Front Strand at Youghal in Cork, Duncannon in Wexford, Rush South beach and Loughshinny in North Dublin, Ballyloughane in Galway and Merrion Strand in South Dublin. Storms last July are thought to be the reason behind the problems, but most of the country's bathing waters were relatively unaffected by pollution brought on by poor weather. Dr Matt Crowe, director of the EPA's office of evidence and assessment, said Youghal, Duncannon, Rush and Ballyloughane had shown improvements. However, past results from 2012-14 kept them in the lowest grade. "The relevant local authorities, in conjunction with Irish Water, have management plans in place to tackle the main pollution risks at these beaches, and these plans are designed to return these beaches to at least sufficient quality in the next year or two," he said.