Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire TD, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, has said she is pleased to have received confirmation from Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council that bathing waters at White Rock and Killiney beaches are back up to standard. They were among four locations which had swimming bans imposed earlier this week due to poor water samples.

“I was very concerned earlier this week to hear that ‘do not swim’ notices had been put in place at Killiney and White Rock, because water samples didn’t comply with standards.

“I have been in touch with the local Council on this matter, and I am pleased to receive confirmation that the prohibition notices are being removed because samples taken on Wednesday show water quality is back to normal.

“The Council has said that there was no obvious cause of the poor results earlier in the week, so I hope it was an anomaly which will not be repeated.

“Following consultation with An Taisce, the Blue Flag is to be put back on Killiney beach.

“The standard of our beaches is not just a source of pride for people living locally, but it is also extremely important at this time of year in terms of attracting tourists. I am delighted that Killiney and White Rock beaches have had their reputations restored as two of Dublin’s best bathing spots.”