Beaches among top with bathing water in Europe

Beaches among top with bathing water in Europe

17 October 2018

FOUR local beaches continue to enjoy some of the best bathing water quality in Europe, it has been revealed.

Kilclief, Ballyhornan, Tyrella and Murlough are among a group of 16 beaches which have come top of the excellent water quality class, but it is a case of must do better for Newcastle beach where the water quality is labelled “sufficient.”

Tyrella and Murlough already hold the prestigious blue flag awards for the quality of their beaches with those who live along the Lecale coastline — who have been working to improve both Kilclief and Ballyhornan — delighted the beaches were identified for inspection for the first time, with the water quality included in the excellent category alongside beaches like Castlerock, Benone, Portballintrae and Portstewart.

The district’s beaches provide an excellent opportunity for people to get out and explore the area’s unique geological heritage and enjoy a wide range of activities which are available. 

Blue flag status assures visitors that the beaches have excellent water quality, are clean and that the environment is safe and accessible.

The latest water quality figures published by the Department of the Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) show that the local beaches rank alongside some of the Province’s best, in particular, those along the North Coast and North Down’s so-called gold coast.

A total of 26 bathing waters around the Province’s coastline have met strict European standards for quality, with 16 of these classified as excellent, which is the prerequisite for the coveted blue flag award. 

A further six beaches met the ‘good’ standards and the rest — including Newcastle — were placed in the ‘sufficient’ standard category alongside Crawfordsburn, Carnlough and Cloughey.

David Small, head of DAERA’s Environment, Marine and Fisheries Group, has welcomed the publication of the latest water quality results.

He said: “This is a superb result for our beaches, especially given the changeable weather our coastline is often subject to. But, more importantly, it’s good news for our holidaymakers and bathers who can confidently enjoy our fabulous beaches.

“We take great pride in these results and know that maintaining them will take a sustained effort. We will continue to work to reduce water pollution to keep our bathing waters clean and safe.”

Mr Small added: “Our beaches are a priceless resource to tourism and to the health and well-being of our local communities and visitors alike. It is imperative that we continue to strive for the very highest of standards.”

NI Water has also welcomed confirmation that all 26 beaches tested have met European standards for bathing water quality.

Angela Halpenny, head of environmental regulation, said protecting the  environment was an important part of NI Water’s business.

She said NI Water was delighted to hear that all 26 designated bathing waters have met European standards but warned against complacency, highlighting the need to push forward with further investment to ensure continued improvements are made. 

The beach water quality results were announced by the Better Beaches Forum whose members include DAERA, NI Water, coastal local authorities, Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, the National Trust, Surfers Against Sewage and some coastal community groups.

Mournes councillor, Willie Clarke said he delighted that Kilclief, Ballyhornan, Tyrella and Murlough  beaches have recognised as having excellent water, but expressed disappointment that Newcastle was only placed in the “sufficient” standard, despite major investment by NI Water in the resort’s sewage treatment works.

He said there was an onus on Newry Mourne and Down Council to work with its statutory partners to improve the water quality, suggesting this year’s warm bathing season should have helped prevent pollutants from being flushed down rivers and out to sea. 

“We need to establish what were the reasons for Newcastle’s water quality to have only secured a sufficient water quality standard,” Cllr Clarke continued. 

“The tourism industry relies on its beaches and water quality and more needs to be done to ensure this is as good as it can and should be. High quality bathing waters and beaches are a critical factor in the enhancement of tourism, the economy and the environment.”