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Sandy Bottom bathing area at Warrenpoint sees many intrepid swimmers take to the water whether it is Winter or Summer, so a proposal by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to act as a 'Bathing Water Operator' should be welcome.
The duties of a Bathing Water Operator include litter control and signage at the location. If they become aware of polution incidents/ abnormal situations or exceptional weather events that could be considered a risk to human health they should notify DAERA and erect signage pointing this out.
The Council proposal follows a review of Bathing Waters by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. DAERA are considering new designated 'bathing water' sites wherby they are responsible for testing water quality. The Council agreed in August 2022 to nominate designated sites which have the potential to qualify and meet the necessary criteria.
The proposal comes before Monday nights, 12 June Enterprise, Regeneration and Tourism meeting. The proposal explains that budget requirements are nominal and included in the ERT departmental budgets.
