Swimming is expected to be allowed at Ballyloughane beach this summer, after Galway City Council officials indicated that Ballyloughane's bathing water is expeceted to meet the required standard.
The news has been welcomed by Independent Galway City East councillor, Terry O'Flaherty, who has campainged for improvements to the beach over many years.
“It’s particularly important that swimming be allowed at Ballyloughane this summer," she said, "as so many people will be staying in Ireland for their holidays and this is such a perfect location for families, both visitors and locals, particularly for the users in the east side of the city."
'Excellent water quality results'
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She said the "years of swimming bans have been such a huge disappointment to everyone," but the "excellent water quality results" of the past few years means the beach is "safe for swimming again".
Cllr O'Flaherty said the improvements which have taken place are as a result of a meeting she set up with the heads of Irish Water, city council officials, and Dep Noel Grealish.
"The commitment given at that meeting that the water quality in Ballyloughane would be prioritised," she said. "While I’m disappointed that it has taken almost seven years, I feel that this problem — although a complicated one — should have been sorted out long before now. I look forward to continued improvements to this beautiful facility which we are very fortunate to have here in this side of the city."
