Pollution Alert Rescinded Following Water Quality Review

Authorities have retracted the advisory prohibiting swimming at Portstewart Strand, concluding that water tests indicate no danger to the public. The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) had originally issued the caution on Wednesday at the popular northern coastal site in response to a suspected contamination event. This measure was implemented to permit the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and Daera to collect water samples for their inquiry.

By Thursday, Daera confirmed that concentrations of bacteria originating from sewage or livestock waste were insufficient to present a health hazard. The National Trust, which oversees the beach, verified that they had received notification that sampling results "returned within normal limits."

During the investigation period, the advisory for Portstewart Strand discouraged public swimming and urged dog owners to keep their pets on leashes and out of the water. Those warning signs have since been taken down.

Additionally, Daera announced that a comparable temporary bathing restriction, placed on Helen’s Bay in County Down on Tuesday, has also been canceled following successful water testing. The public is encouraged to consult the NI Bathing Water Quality Dashboard and monitor on-site notices for the latest information.

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-06-04 13:23:23 UTC