E.coli fears spark beach swim ban

SWIMMERS have been warned not to bathe at some south Dublin beaches due to high levels of E. coli discovered in the water.

Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council has issued a ban on all bathing and swimming along the majority of its shoreline due to E. Coli and enterococci present in the water between Seapoint and Killiney. The temporary ‘no bathing’ order will remain in place until Monday when test results are due back.

The prohibition notice comes following regular water quality tests carried out by the council which discovered high levels of E. Coli and enterococci contamination at Killiney Beach, Blackrock and Seapoint bathing areas.

E. Coli is a form of bacteria that can cause infection even in small amounts. Swallowing even a mouthful of contaminated pool or seawater can be enough to make you ill.