A swim ban has been lifted at Galway city’s beaches, following the latest results of bathing water quality tests writes Lorna Siggins
Galway City Council has removed “do not swim” notices at Silver Strand and Salthill beaches on the advice of the Health Service Executive (HSE).
As Afloat previously reported, a ban had been imposed last Wednesday (May 29) on Silver Strand, Salthill and at Blackrock diving board, after very high levels of an intestinal enterococci bacteria were detected during routine testing early last week.
The bacteria may cause illness.
An advisory notice to warn swimmers was also posted at Grattan road beach, where levels were lower.
Galway City Council confirmed on Saturday afternoon that following re-testing of bathing water, results were “positive”.
“The HSE has advised that the prohibition notices on Blackrock and Silverstrand bathing areas may be removed with immediate effect,” it said.
The local authority did not confirm the cause of the pollution. Last week, a spokesman said it was also investigating whether the tests were faulty.
Several sources, such as Mutton island sewage treatment plant and a visiting cruise ship, were ruled out by the city council.