The Irish Times - Saturday, July 21, 2012

GORDON DEEGAN

FEARS OVER a possible E.coli outbreak yesterday forced Clare County Council to ban swimming at three of the countys most popular beaches at Lahinch, Kilkee and Spanish Point.

The council made the move after trace levels of E.coli were found in water samples from the beaches on Wednesday.

Thousands of holidaymakers are expected to travel to the resorts this weekend with good weather forecast after weeks of poor conditions adversely affecting tourism businesses in the area.

However, public bathing notices and red flags confirming that swimming was prohibited were yesterday placed on all of the affected beaches, while the blue flags at Lahinch and Kilkee beaches have been temporarily removed.

The director of services with Clare County Council, Ann Haugh, said last night that the move to shut down swimming at the three beaches is unprecedented. It is very unfortunate, but public safety is paramount and we are unwilling to take any risks.

Lahinch is one of the most popular surf beaches in the country, with five surf schools operating in the water instructing hundreds of surfers every day.

Ms Haugh said that the swimming ban also included surfing. She confirmed it was a prohibition on entering the water.

Last night, Lahinch hotelier Michael Vaughan described the move as a shocking development.

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Swimming banned at Clare beaches