Popular swimming spot in Carlow issued Prohibition Notice due to public health risk

Carlow County Council has issued a Bathing Water Prohibition Notice for some designated bathing areas along the River Barrow at Bagenalstown due to a "potential risk to bathers' health."

The Council said it has taken the precautionary measure to safeguard public health following the recent routine bathing water monitoring tests which were conducted along the River Barrow at Bagenalstown in accordance with regulatory requirements.

According to the notice: "Microbiological analysis of the sample taken revealed elevated levels of Escherichia Coli exceeding the thresholds set out in the Bathing Water Quality Regulations."

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Swimming and bathing is now prohibited in two affected areas "due to the potential risk to bathers health." These two locations include the bathing areas at the Bagenalstown Boat Slip and Area 16 Family Amenity area which is opposite the picnic benches.

If people are unsure of where exactly these areas are, there will be signage erected at both sites to inform the public.

Carlow County Council has said that the Prohibition Notice will be lifted and updates provided once further water sampling is carried out and it can be confirmed that the water quality complies with safety standards.