Update:
Clare County Council has confirmed this afternoon that the bathing ban at Lahinch beach has now been lifted.
The red flag was raised at the popular resort on Tuesday after elevated levels of bacteria caused by recent heavy rain. The local authority has said it has taken decision to lift the swimming ban based on advice from the HSE.
Tuesday: On the advice of the HSE, Clare County Council has today raised a Red Flag at Lahinch beach indicating a bathing prohibition at this location until further notice.
The restriction has been introduced after the results of routine bathing water samples showed elevated levels of bacteria.
Run-off from the catchment after exceptionally heavy rainfall is identified as a cause of the elevated levels of bacteria in the water.
In accordance with An Taisce’s Blue Flag programme, the Blue Flag at this bathing area will be removed until such time as the water quality improves.