Dr. Deirdre Mulholland:

It is done in consultation with the local authority and the EPA colleagues if required but it is predominantly on a health basis. Again, like a boil water notice, nobody wants to disrupt anybody's swimming fun, particularly during the summer. It is done purely to protect public health, particularly because one of the parameters tested for is for E.coli which can make people very sick. It is done on that basis. We are cognisant of the fact that community and social activity are being disrupted so it is not done lightly and only until such time as clear test results are back. Then it is reviewed again straight away and the ban lifted as soon as possible.