Major concerns have been raised over waste water treatment systems in Dublin after the implementation of bathing prohibitions in Dollymount and Sandymount.

The Green Party is calling for "urgent action" to be taken to address the issues which "threaten public health, tourism and the environment".

Green Party Leader Eamon Ryan TD said: "Bathers are at risk of skin irritation and illness if exposed to pollution in these areas. Tourism is a huge driver of the economy in coastal areas, and must be protected. The Government must show greater urgency in tackling the problem of water quality."

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Green Party Local Representative for the Clontarf area, Donna Cooney said: "This is of major concern and needs to be fixed, we can't risk having sewage in our bathing water whenever there is heavy rain. I, like many Dubs, swim regularly in the sea. Warm weather is set to return on Wednesday, and we fear tourism could be negatively affected by these water quality issues.

"Flash flooding is becoming more common and unpredictable as the weather associated with the effects of climate change. Our sewage and drainage systems need to be ungraded extensively to deal with this reality. Bathers, the local economy and the local environment will suffer if we don't."

(CD/MH)