Ireland's bathing waters are continuing to improve year-on-year with new figures revealing more than 70% of the waters are classed as 'excellent'.

According to the latest Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Bathing Water Quality in Ireland Report, five of the 145 designated bathing waters are classed as 'poor', along with 22 'good' areas and 12 classified as 'sufficient'.

Addressing the issues with the small number of 'poor' areas, Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy said: "I am concerned at the ongoing issues contributing to poor water quality at a small number of our 145 designated bathing waters. Consistently 'poor' designations must be addressed as a matter of priority.

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"In the cases of Merrion and Sandymount Strands, a number of complex issues are contributing to the poor designations. Nevertheless, they must be tackled quickly through collaborative action across the local authorities concerned.

"Intensive consultations are ongoing at a senior technical level between my Department, Dublin City Council, and the EPA in this regard and I look forward to seeing progress in the short term."

Three new bathing waters designated at Dooey and Magheraroarty in Donegal; and at Seafield Quilty in Clare were also classed as 'excellent'.

A further three bathing waters at Forty Foot Bathing Place, Sandycove Beach and White Rock Beach were newly identified in 2018 and will be classified following the 2019 bathing season.

(CM/MH)