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People advised against swimming at several beaches

The warnings are predominantly for counties Mayo and Kerry and include popular locations such as Keem Bay in Achill (above)
The warnings are predominantly for counties Mayo and Kerry and include popular locations such as Keem Bay in Achill (above)

People are being advised to avoid swimming at several beaches around the country due to poor water quality, while many other beaches could be at risk due to expected heavy rainfall.

Some bathing waters have already reported increased levels of bacteria this week after heavy downpours.

The warnings are predominantly for counties Mayo and Kerry and include popular locations such as Keem Bay in Achill and Waterville and Ballybunion.

Ballybunion Beach in Co Kerry

Some coastal areas in Dublin, Galway, Clare, Donegal and Wexford are also impacted.

Earlier this week 'do not swim' notices were issued for Sandycove in Dublin and Courtown in Wexford.

The Environmental Protection Agency said there are also precautionary warnings in place around bathing for 15 beaches in Mayo and ten beaches in Kerry.

Mayo County Council said it was due to possible rainfall forecast over the next few days and highlighted the "unpredictable nature" and possible impact on bathing water quality as a result.

Local authorities are responsible for testing bathing waters for bacteria and for any further updates on water quality at beaches, people are advised to visit beaches.ie.