Do Not Swim alert issued for popular West Cork beach due to ‘increased E.coli’

Cork County Council have alerted swimmers not to enter the water at a beach in West Cork following a consultation with the HSE.

A high level of bacteria was found in a bathing water sample taken from Warren Beach – a popular spot for Clon and Rosscarbery locals heading out for a seaside stroll or a dip during the sunny season. Early reports said the contamination was due to “suspected agricultural activities/runoff”, but Cork South West Deputy Christopher O’Sullivan has since claimed it was caused by a sewage leak as increased levels of E.coli were detected.

He added that this alert comes during the local ‘Swim Week’ – which was being held at the Warren – where young kids get the chance to learn water safety skills.

The Cork County Council site reports water quality at the beach was last examined on Monday July 1, where it received an “excellent” rating.

A Do Not Swim advisory is in place in the area and further tests will be carried out later today to determine if the ban can be lifted. Swimmers are being advised to head to nearby beaches Tragumna, Owenahincha or Inchydoney for the time being.

Read More: Cork women say ‘absolutely everyone’ should try Munster charity’s free mental health courses

Read More: 15,000 Cork Fanzone tickets gone in less than an hour as All-Ireland frenzy mounts

Rosscarbery residents had previously slammed the existing wastewater treatment infrastructure after a sewage plume was spotted in the water two years ago, and have been urging for an upgrade to facilities ever since.

Cork South West Deputy Christopher O’Sullivan said: “The only solution now to prevent further no swim notices is a full upgrade or replacement of the existing system. There can be no more beating around the bush from Uisce Eireann.

“Increased levels of E.coli have been detected. The only possible source is sewage. I’ve made contact with Cork County Council to ensure that results of secondary tests are released as soon as possible to hopefully allow the beach to be reopened for swimming.

“It’s Swim Week at the Warren so this is incredibly frustrating for young kids learning water safety skills. Uisce Eireann had promised to de-sludge the so-called sewage plant regularly. Clearly this hasn’t happened. The system has to be fully replaced or the Warren will never regain blue flag status.”

Today, a spokesperson for Cork County Council said: “Due to high levels of bacteria in the bathing water, in the interest of public health, a Prohibition Notice (Not to Swim) has been issued at the Warren Beach, in consultation with the HSE. Further microbiological tests are being carried out today.”