Do not Swim Notices lifted from Rush North, Skerries South but extended for Front Strand Balbriggan

Following a return to “excellent” status at  Rush North, Skerries South in the results of laboratory analysis the issued Prohibition (Do not swim) notices are being removed from the noticeboards today at each of the above beaches. A replacement Do Not Swim notice was issued for Front Strand, Balbriggan for 6 days due to due to a “poor” result

Skerries Square

The temporary Do Not Swim notices issued on Wednesday August 26th for Rush North, Skerries South Beaches have been lifted by Fingal County Council but a replacement Do Not Swim notice was issued for Front Strand, Balbriggan for 6 days due to due to a “poor” result. 

Results of laboratory analysis of samples taken on 27th August, 2020 were received today and a return to “excellent” status for Rush North, Skerries South Beaches will result in the issued Prohibition (Do not swim) notices being removed from the noticeboards today at each of those beaches.

However, at Front Strand, Balbriggan beach the Prohibition (Do not swim) Notice raised will be replaced (see attached replacement notice) and the restriction on bathing extended due to a “poor” result.  Investigations are ongoing and no reportable sewage overflows/blockages were found.  Sampling of the River Bracken and this bathing water will continue and investigation of other sources of contamination are being progressed.

Please note that as a result of requests by frequent swimmers for the above information, Fingal County Council will now issue notifications via our Fingal Alerts service in addition to existing communication methods.

Bathers are encouraged to register for Fingal Alerts at alerts.fingal.ie and ensure they opt for receiving the “Community Notices” category. For those who have already signed up to Fingal Alerts you can check if you have already opted for this category by logging in to alerts.fingal.ie.

Members of the public can check for water quality at any of the monitored bathing waters in Ireland in advance by accessing the EPA website at www.beaches.ie or by checking the notice board at the entrance to each beach.