Earlier today (6 May) Alliance Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister, Andrew Muir, announced that following water quality monitoring of sites for over two bathing seasons, seven additional bathing waters have been added to the list of designated bathing sites in Northern Ireland.
The seven new bathing waters are Brompton Bay, Donaghadee, Cushendall, Drains Bay, Portmuck, Rea's Wood and Warrenpoint.
North Down MLA Ms Egan said: “Brompton Bay and Donaghadee Harbour are very popular with sea swimmers and this news will be hugely welcomed by local groups like ‘Brompton Belles & Beaux’ and ‘Donaghadee Chunky Dunkers’.
“We are lucky to have so many bathing sites already in North Down and a thriving sea swimming community. It’s fantastic to see so many people taking the plunge, both locally and across Northern Ireland, and these two new bathing waters will be enjoyed widely.
“Recent improvement in water quality at Donaghadee and Brompton is a step in the right direction, with both swimming spots achieving sufficient status in 2024. However, we do need NI Water to move forward with critical upgrades to wastewater treatment works and the Infrastructure Minister needs to make progress in that regard.”
South Down MLA Mr McMurray said: “I welcome that Warrenpoint Sandy Bottom is now an official bathing site, adding to existing swimming spots in South Down.
“The site is already well-loved by sea swimmers and water sports enthusiasts and the new status will mean that regular monitoring of water quality will continue during the bathing season. Given the explosion in popularity of sea swimming in recent years, it’s important we are testing frequently and passing this information on to users so they can make informed decisions about water quality.
“I am looking forward to the upcoming review of bathing waters that Minister Muir has committed to under Northern Ireland’s Environmental Improvement Plan which may consider the potential for further expansion of the season and bathing waters.”
The seven new bathing waters are Brompton Bay, Donaghadee, Cushendall, Drains Bay, Portmuck, Rea's Wood and Warrenpoint.
North Down MLA Ms Egan said: “Brompton Bay and Donaghadee Harbour are very popular with sea swimmers and this news will be hugely welcomed by local groups like ‘Brompton Belles & Beaux’ and ‘Donaghadee Chunky Dunkers’.
“We are lucky to have so many bathing sites already in North Down and a thriving sea swimming community. It’s fantastic to see so many people taking the plunge, both locally and across Northern Ireland, and these two new bathing waters will be enjoyed widely.
“Recent improvement in water quality at Donaghadee and Brompton is a step in the right direction, with both swimming spots achieving sufficient status in 2024. However, we do need NI Water to move forward with critical upgrades to wastewater treatment works and the Infrastructure Minister needs to make progress in that regard.”
South Down MLA Mr McMurray said: “I welcome that Warrenpoint Sandy Bottom is now an official bathing site, adding to existing swimming spots in South Down.
“The site is already well-loved by sea swimmers and water sports enthusiasts and the new status will mean that regular monitoring of water quality will continue during the bathing season. Given the explosion in popularity of sea swimming in recent years, it’s important we are testing frequently and passing this information on to users so they can make informed decisions about water quality.
“I am looking forward to the upcoming review of bathing waters that Minister Muir has committed to under Northern Ireland’s Environmental Improvement Plan which may consider the potential for further expansion of the season and bathing waters.”