A West Clare beach is one of 2 nationwide which have failed to meet mandatory EU standards.
The EPA’s annual Bathing Water Report for 2011 show that White Strand in Miltown Malbay along with Clifden Beach in Galway were classified as having poor quality status.
Overall there’s been an increase in the number of beaches and waterways that have met the strict guidlines and for the first time since 2004, Ballyalla Lake in Ennis is among them.
Senior Scientific Officer with the EPA Peter Webster says the problem with Miltown Malbay is being put down to an ‘uncharacateristically poor sample result’.
10 other bathing areas around Clare were found to have complied with the minimum standards in 2011. They include Ballycuggeran, Ballyalla Lake, Cappa Pier in Kilrush, Bishopsquarter, White Strand (Doonbeg), Kilkee, Spanish Point, Lahinch, Fanore and Mountshannon.
