Donegal County Council staff and beach lifeguards are keeping a close eye on the waters after a blue-green algae alert on the north coast of Derry.
Inishowen in particular is being monitored for potentially dangerous blooms.
Blue-green algae is a type of bacteria that, when increased in great numbers, can cause illness in humans. It is particularly dangerous for pets and has been implicated in the deaths of several dogs in Fermanagh. A red-flag bathing ban was issued at Benone Strand, Castlerock Beach, Portstewart Strand and Downhill Strand earlier this month. It has since been lifted.
Councillor Terry Crossan has warned that the danger doesn’t just lie in coastal waters.
Speaking at Monday’s council meeting, he said: “I’m aware of a number of other areas that are not in that particular category.
“I would ask that still waters must also be monitored, especially those in high agricultural zones with excessive nutrient enrichment.”
Donegal County Council has weekly sampling and monitoring programmes to assess all designated bathing waters in the county.
Following reports of potentially toxic algal blooms along the northern coastline, the council alerted all relevant staff including beach Life Guards who will be monitoring this at local level.
The members of the public observe any blooms that give rise to concern, the advice is as follows (in accordance with HSE Bathing Water Health Guidance) –
• High levels of blue-green algae may cause illness in humans and animals including pets
• Avoid contact with scum, visible algae and surrounding water
• Do not swim in water near visible algae
• Do not touch scum on the shore
• Wash hands if you touch the algal material
• Keep children and pets away from the water’s edge
• Do not let pets drink the water. Wash pets if they come into contact with water
In relation to any concerns regarding potential drinking water sources, the public are requested to contact Uisce Éireann directly on call 1800 278 278 or 01 707 2828 (lines open 24/7).
Donegal County Council investigates reports of potential blue green algae outbreaks in our freshwater systems and the public are advised to contact info@donegalcoco.ie or on 074 91 53900.
