Irish coastal bathing water eighth-worst in EU

Ireland has the eighth-worst coastal bathing water quality in the European Union, new figures reveal.

Data from the EU environment watchdog shows we are in the same category as Poland, Romania, Estonia and Bulgaria when it comes to the quality of coastal bathing water.

Slovenia and Malta top the list of 28 EU Member States with 100% of their beaches receiving an excellent rating.

We rank poorly compared to countries in the Mediterranean.