PHOTOS – The best beaches in Ireland

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has given 97 percent of Irish beaches the 'thumbs up,' which makes Irish bathing waters among “the best in Europe.”

The EPA monitors 135 beaches in Ireland. They found that 97 percent of these met the minimum European Union standards for water quality in 2013. In fact, 85 percent exceeded this standard.

The excellent water quality is believed to be due to the good weather of summer 2013. This resulted in less animal waste and other contaminants being washed into rivers and streams.

Only four of the 135 beaches monitored failed to meet the standard. These were Clifden in Galway, Dugort in Mayo, Ballyloughane in Galway and Lilliput on Lough Ennell in Westmeath.

Despite these failures, the EPA said bathing waters in Ireland are of an exceptionally high standard. They also expect that Ireland will be listed in the top ten for bathing water quality by the European Environment Agency in June.

PHOTOS – The best beaches in Ireland
Blue waves all the way - the best beaches in Ireland (PHOTOS)
Ireland to be listed among top ten for bathing water quality in Europe by the European agency.
 
PHOTOS – The best beaches in Ireland
**  http://www.irishcentral.com/photo/Best-Beaches-in-Ireland.html
The Environmental Protections Agency (EPA) just gave 97 percent of Irish beaches the thumbs up, which makes Irish bathing waters among “the best in Europe”.
The EPA monitor 135 beaches in Ireland. They found that 97 percent of these met the minimum European Union standards for water quality in 2013. In fact 85 percent exceeded this standard.
The excellent water quality is believed to be due to the good weather of summer 2013. This resulted in less animal waste and other contaminants being washed into rivers and streams.
Only four of the 135 beaches monitored failed to meet the standard. These were Clifden in Galway, Dugort in Mayo, Ballyloughane in Galway and Lilliput on Lough Ennell in Westmeath.
Despite these failures, the EPA said bathing waters in Ireland are of an exceptionally high standard. They also expect that Ireland will be listed in the top ten for bathing water quality by the European Environment Agency in June.
PHOTOS – The best beaches in Ireland
**  http://www.irishcentral.com/photo/Best-Beaches-in-Ireland.html