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Tag Archives: beaches

Bathing prohibitions at two Clare beaches

ON the advice of the HSE, Clare County Council has today issued bathing prohibitions at both Spanish Point and White Strand, Miltown Malbay. The red flag will be flying at Spanish Point until further notice. The restrictions have been introduced as the results of routine bathing water samples taken at both locations had elevated levels of bacteria. Run-off from the catchment after exceptionally heavy rainfall has resulted in elevated levels of bacteria being identified in the water. In accordance with An Taisce’s Blue Flag programme, the Blue Flags at both bathing areas are being removed until such time as the water quality improves.

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Resources ready after ‘crazy staycation pressure’

EXTRA resources are to be available in West Clare to welcome visitors over the St Patrick’s Day Bank Holiday weekend. At the March meeting of the municipal district, motions were tabled by two North Clare members calling for action following the exceptionally busy seasons in 2020 and 2021.  Councillor Shane Talty said the pandemic had created “crazy staycation pressure” over the last two years and he highlighted the need to be prepared in terms of lifeguard resources. Both he and his fellow Ennistymon area councillor, Joe Killeen, called preparations for the 2022 season to be stepped up. “Thankfully, people chose Clare as their preferred destination,” Councillor Killeen said. “However, it felt like we were putting emergency measures in place right through the summer season. There were several issues highlighted during the season and action had to be taken on a number of pinch points. Thanks to everyone who got the county ready.” Senior Executive Officer (SEO) John O’Malley outlined the …

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Gardaí appeal over Clare tourist route congestion

GARDAÍ are appealing to motorists accessing the county’s beauty spots to show consideration for residents and other road users, with the mercury soaring to 30 degrees this week. Staycationers, in unprecedented numbers, have brought a welcome boost to Clare’s tourism economy and created a festival atmosphere in conditions that have been more or less idyllic all week. The only down side the authorities have reported is significant traffic congestion at locations in the North and West of the county. Spanish Point, Seafield and Doolin were highlighted as particular areas of concern with heavy traffic and parking issues causing chaos. “The Garda message is that the roads, and the facilities, are there for everyone,” said Superintendent John Galvin of the Killrush Garda District. “We’re appealing to people to obey the traffic regulations because everyone wants to enjoy the summer safely.” Hot today and dry with hazy sunshine. ☀️Highs of 26 to 30 degrees🌡️, with slightly lower temperatures along southern and eastern …

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Bathing advisory notice lifted in Lahinch

A BATHING advisory notice has been lifted at Lahinch, inside the last half hour (Wednesday, August 12). The temporary notice had been put in place on the advice of the HSE, following recent heavy rainfall. In a statement, Clare County Council said that the bathing restriction had been lifted after analysis and on the advice of the Health Service Executive (HSE). The authority also advised that the safest place to swim is at lifeguarded locations. More information is available from Clare County Council’s environment section on 065-6846331 / enviroff@clarecoco.ie and visit www.beaches.ie

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Swimming bans lifted in West and North Clare

BATHING restrictions lifted at beach locations in West and North Clare A notice from Clare County Council has lifted the temporary prohibition on swimming that had been in place at the following locations has now been lifted: Lahinch Spanish Point White Strand Miltown Malbay Kilkee Quilty (front beach) The bathing restrictions have been lifted as a result of analysis carried out over the weekend and on the advice of the HSE. There is ongoing monitoring at beach locations in County Clare. Clare County Council advises that the safest place to swim is at lifeguarded locations. For further information, contact Clare County Council environment section on (065) 6846331 / enviroff@clarecoco.ie and visit www.beaches.ie

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Keep Clare beaches looking good

Clare County Council is urging visitors to Clare’s beaches this June Bank Holiday Weekend to take responsibility for their rubbish by bringing it home with them. The Council has employed additional resources to deal with the increase in litter that has resulted from the rise in visitor numbers to beaches such as Kilkee, Lahinch and Spanish Point. The local authority says it is also installing additional refuse facilities at Clare’s Blue Flags in an effort to minimise littering while litter wardens have been deployed to monitor littering activity. “Our beach is a fantastic resource for the wider community and it’s up to us all to ensure that we take home what we bring to the beach”, said Cyril Feeney, area engineer with with th council. He added, “The council wishes to acknowledge those who have used the public bins to dispose of their litter. These bins are emptied regularly each day but often reach their capacity due to the unprecedented …

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Blue Flags fly over Clare beaches

The International Blue Flag has been awarded to nine Clare beaches, including Whitestrand, Miltown Malbay, Ballycuggernan, Whitestrand Doonbeg, Mountshannon, Cappa, Fanore, Spanish Point, Kilkee and Lahinch. Green Coast Awards were also awarded to the beaches at Bishops Quarter (Ballyvaughan) and Seafield (Quilty) The 2016 Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards were accepted on behalf of Clare County Council by Cathaoirleach James Breen and Claire McGrath, Clare Water Safety Development Office,at a ceremony in Portmarnock, Co. Dublin. The Blue Flag is a prestigious environmental eco-label awarded to over 4,000 beaches and marinas in 49 countries across Europe, South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, New Zealand, Brazil, Canada and the Caribbean. The award, which is operated in Ireland by An Taisce, on behalf of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), represents high standards in water quality, environmental information and education, environmental management and safety, services and facilities. The Green Coast Award recognises beaches for their clean environment, excellent water quality and natural beauty and …

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