asked the Minister for the Environment whether he will arrange during the 1989 bathing season that the water quality data be announced with weather forecasts for the information of swimmers.
Written Answers. - Water Quality Data.
159.
During the 1989 bathing season 64 locations around the coast will be monitored for compliance with our very stringent national bathing water quality standards. Experience has shown that water quality is excellent in most areas and in 1988 the vast majority of bathing areas achieved compliance with the required standards with ease.
It would not be practicable for water quality data to be announced with weather forecasts given the large number of locations monitored. The European Communities (Quality of Bathing Water) Regulations, 1988, provide that any person may have access to the monitoring results by visiting the offices of the responsible local authority, and, if the standards are breached at any location, the local authority must give such public notice as it considers appropriate having regard to the nature of the breach and any possible implications for bathers. I am satisfied that these provisions are adequate.