By Gordon Deegan

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Fears over a possible e-coli outbreak yesterday forced Clare County Council to immediately ban swimming at two beaches at Lahinch and Kilkee.

Swimming at Spanish Point beach on Clares Atlantic coast was also banned after trace levels of e-coli were found in water samples from the three beaches on Wednesday.

Thousands are expected to travel to the resorts this weekend with good weather forecast, after weeks of poor weather adversely affected tourist businesses in the area.

However, public bathing notices and red flags confirming that swimming and surfing is prohibited were yesterday placed on all of the affected beaches. The blue flags at Lahinch and Kilkee beaches have been removed for now.

Director with Clare County Council, Ann Haugh said the move "is unprecedented. It is very unfortunate, but public safety is paramount and we are unwilling to take any risks".

She said fresh tests were taken at the three beaches yesterday and it will be tomorrow before the results are known. A decision will be made then as to whether the waters can re-open.

The decision was taken in consultation with the HSE.

Ms Haugh said abnormal weather conditions and run- off from lands surrounding the beaches was the cause.

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Swimming ban at beaches over e-coli threat