Northern Ireland has the best bathing water quality in Europe.

In 2014, 16 of NI's 23 identified bathing waters met the higher guideline or 'Excellent' standard for water quality set in the EU Bathing Water Directive. A further six of the 23 met the mandatory 'Good' standard. One bathing water at Carnlough failed to meet the mandatory standards and has been classified overall as 'Poor'.

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Environment Minister Mark Durkan said: "In spite of some really atrocious weather in August this year, which we know often affects our water quality, we still have some of the best bathing water quality in Europe.

"We have some good success stories behind the statistics. Newcastle bathing water in particular withstood all of the challenges that our weather has thrown at us during August. Newcastle bathing water quality is “Excellent” for the second year in a row since the new sewage works went live. This is a great example of the benefits that can be achieved by Government Departments working together."

(CD/MH)