Explanatory Note on Advisory Notice at Youghal Front Strand.
The bathing water at Youghal Front Strand is classed as “Poor” based on the results of water
samples taken over the past four years (2011 – 2014). The “Poor” classification implies that
the quality of the bathing water may be unsatisfactory at certain times & may pose a risk to
human health, particularly during & following periods of heavy rain.
Cork County Council advises beach users against bathing at Youghal Front Strand
particularly during and following heavy rain.
In accordance with the 2008 Bathing Water Regulations an advisory notice to this effect has
been placed at access points to this beach, & will remain in place for the duration of the
bathing season – June 1st to September 15th 2015.
Water quality at Youghal Front Strand will continue to be monitored every two weeks over
the 2015 bathing season & the results will be displayed on this notice board, Council website
(www.corkcoco.ie), & the EPA website (splash.epa.ie).
SO WHAT ARE THE MOST LIKELY CAUSES?
Untreated sewage is considered to be the primary cause of poor water quality at Youghal
Front Strand and to a lesser extent runoff from agricultural land, particularly during &
following periods of heavy rain.
WHAT IS BEING DONE TO IMPROVE THE WATER QUALITY?
Untreated Sewage
Immediate actions are being taken to upgrade the existing wastewater collection system in
Youghal which will reduce pressures on the drainage network & reduce risks of overflows &
discharges to the bathing water.
Irish Water/Cork County Council plan to have a new wastewater treatment plant in place
early in 2017, (subject to obtaining a Foreshore Licence). This plant will collect & treat all
sewage from Youghal town to an acceptable standard. It is anticipated that this facility will
significantly improve the water quality at Youghal Front Strand over the coming years.
Agriculture
Cork County Council will continue to implement the Good Agricultural Practice Regulations
in the catchment & will promptly investigate any complaints of water pollution in the area.
WANT FURTHER INFORMATION?
For further information on the planned wastewater treatment plant & associated works
contact Water Services Capital Offices, Cork County Council, Tel. 021 4819425
For bathing water quality results refer to www.corkcoco.ie or visit splash.epa.ie
Any queries relating to beach management should be referred to Mr. Paul Murray, Executive
Engineer, Youghal, paul.murray@corkcoco.ie Tel: 024 92365.
General enquiries on beach management at Youghal can be referred to beaches@corkcoco.ie
Tel 021 4285058