Prohibition Notice lifted at popular swimming spots in Carlow following public health scare

Carlow County Council has lifted the Bathing Prohibition Notice at two popular swimming areas along the River Barrow in Bagenalstown.

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

According to last week's 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 was prohibited in two affected areas due to the potential risk to bathers health. These two locations included the bathing areas at the Bagenalstown Boat Slip and Area 16 Family Amenity area (which is opposite the picnic benches).

Now, Carlow County Council has said it has "received confirmation from test results that the water quality in both Bagenalstown Designated Swimming Areas has improved significantly and both are now categorised as Excellent."

As a result of these tests, the HSE's Environmental Health Officer immediately lifted the Bathing Prohibition Notice in both swimming areas.

The Council has said it will continue to monitor the bathing water quality in the county throughout the bathing season.