Poor water quality at two city beaches have dented long-term hopes of obtaining Blue Flags.

A ‘do not swim’ prohibition notice was issued for Grattan Beach in Claddagh and Ballyloughane Beach in Renmore due to high levels of E. coli in the water.

Galway City Council had issued Prior Warning Notices for both beaches ahead of last weekend, when heavy rain was predicted, and they were later upgraded to Prohibition Notices.

Samples taken on Monday of this week at Grattan Beach, confirmed the water quality was ‘poor’. Water samples taken at Ballyloughane last week, and again earlier this week, also returned high levels of E. coli, and a ‘poor’ classification.

“Both Prohibition Notices will remain in place until we receive acceptable results,” said Jason Corbett, Executive Engineer in the Council’s Environment Section.

He told councillors that both beaches were “susceptible to short-term pollution events” and are known to be impacted by heavy rainfall.

A Prior Warning Notice issued for Silverstrand in Bearna was a ‘precautionary measure’ due to exceptional rain forecast on Sunday, but Mr Corbett confirmed results at this Blue Flag beach had been “excellent” all year.

Coming in peak tourist season, the ‘do not swim’ warnings at two beaches damages the city’s reputation and could impact on plans to apply for Blue Flags at Ballyloughane and Grattan.

Councillor John Connolly (FF) said the water results were disappointing, and he urged the local authority to get to the root of the problem.

“It’s disappointing because the results up until now have all been excellent. It’s not good in trying to progress and applying for Blue Flags into the future,” said Cllr Connolly.

“It highlights how susceptible the beaches are to heavy rainfall. It’s time we did an assessment of where the source is. Is it our wastewater treatment system, or is it coming off water from the lake that contains high levels of E. coli and that’s getting into the seawater?”

More test results are due, and the public is advised to check the Council’s website and social media for updated information on the warnings being lifted.

Pictured: Grattan Beach: swimming prohibition notice.