Traces of E.Coli and intestinal enterococci have been found at four Irish bathing areas.

The water at Clifden Beach in Galway, Fountainstown in Cork, Rush in Co. Dublin and Ballyheigue in Co Kerry failed to meet mandatory water quality standards last year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The EPA says out of 136 bathing areas, over 97% of beaches were classed as being of ‘sufficient’ water quality status but the wet weather caused pollutions at 4 beaches.

Peter Webster is a senior scientist with the EPA. He says we are used to Ireland placing in the top 10 of European countries on clean water and advises we keep this slight slip in perspective.