SWIMMERS have been ordered to stay away from a popular beach in Co. Clare due to high levels of E. coli in the water.
Clare County Council say the decision to close the beach at Whitestrand Doonbeg to the public was taken on advice from the Health Service Executive (HSE).
The council added that the presence of harmful bacteria was due to recent rainfall.
“Clare County Council, on the advice of the HSE, has announced that due to elevated levels of bacteria (E. coli) in the bathing water arising from heavy rainfall on Sunday night and Monday morning, swimming is prohibited at Whitestrand Doonbeg," a statement read.
“Public bathing notices indicating that swimming is prohibited are being put in place.
“The council is carrying out an investigation into the cause of the pollution. We are hopeful that the restrictions could be lifted for the weekend pending that water test results from today and tomorrow are deemed by the HSE to be within bathing water quality limits.”
The council emphasised that none of Clare's other designated bathing waters are affected.
Whitestrand Doonbeg is a popular swimming spot with both locals and tourists and is just a short driving distance away from the Cliffs of Moher.
