Shannon swim cancelled over algae bloom

On Thursday, August 31, the organisers of the annual Shannon Swim changed its location to the Ballycuggeran Blue Flag Beach at the Two-Mile-Gate on September 3, in the interest of the safety of all swimmers. Unfortunately, on September 2, the organisers cancelled this rescheduled event due to the abundance of algae bloom in the lake.

On the advice of the HSE, Clare County Council issued a bathing prohibition at the Ballycuggeran bathing area on Lough Derg on September 2.

The red flag will be flying at this location until further notice when the water quality improves. The prohibition has been introduced due to the presence of an algal bloom at the bathing area and at the pier.

Blue green algae can produce harmful toxins that can be harmful to humans and animals. In accordance with An Taisce’s Blue Flag programme, the Blue Flag at the bathing area will be removed until such time as the water quality improves.