Youghal has suffered a blow in the final weeks of summer with the closure to bathers of its three beaches because of water contamination fears.
The three beaches in Youghal are part of seven overall in Cork that have been closed to bathers because of potential health risks. Three of the beaches are award-winning Blue Flag beaches — Redbarn in Youghal, Garretstown near Kinsale, and Garryvoe in east Cork.
Bathers in Youghal are now restricted from entering the water at the Redbarn, the Front Strand and Claycastle.
Coolmaine near Kilbrittain and Oysterhaven towards Kinsale complete the list of beaches closed to bathers.
The water levels were shown to have contaminants, including the E.coli bacteria. The levels of E.coli exceed accepted European levels.
Cork County Council made the decision to restrict bathing as a precaution.
Under the European Union’s Bathing Waters Directive, water quality at all designated bathing waters must meets stringent standards in order to protect the health of people who choose to bathe there.
Cork County Council announced this week that it is undertaking a public participation process to get a better understanding of the public perception of beaches around Cork.
This consultation process provides the public with an opportunity to comment on existing designated bathing waters.
The seven beaches have been affected by high rainfall that has caused run-off from local fields.
Youghal’s situation is expected to ease in coming years after the green light was given earlier this year by Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan for an €18 million wastewater treatment plant.