Six popular Irish bathing spots have failed to meet the minimum EU standard for clean water. According to the latest report, the majority of Irish beaches were of very high standards, with 93% of bathing water meeting the standards. However, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, the following beaches were not clean enough: Front Strand at Youghal,Cork; Duncannon in Wexford; Loughshinny and Rush South beach in Fingal, Dublin; Merrion Strand in Dublin; and Ballyloughane in Galway. Dr Matt Crowe, director of the EPA’s Office of Evidence and Assessment, said: “Disappointingly, six bathing waters were classed as ‘poor’ quality. Four of these, Youghal Front Strand, Duncannon, Rush South beach, and Ballyloughane, were first classified as ‘poor’ in 2014. All showed marked improvements in quality in 2015 but the four-year assessment means their classification is influenced by poorer results from 2012-2014 bathing seasons. “The relevant local authorities, in conjunction with Irish Water, have management plans in place to tackle the main pollution risks at these beaches and these plans are designed to return these beaches to at least ‘sufficient’ quality in the next year or two.” He advised that local authorities would be establishing warning notices to advise the public against bathing in these spots. Bathers can check information on the water quality at their local beach on splash.epa.ie.