Dr. Eimear Cotter:

All of the results we have spoken about look at ecological health. E. coli and fecal coliforms arise from the manure of animals and also from human sewage. We track these in the context of bathing water quality and we also monitor drinking water. The water for our drinking supply is of very high quality. Our public drinking water is to a very high standard. It is tested for E. coli and other coliforms. With regard to fecal bacteria, we also have very good quality bathing water in the country. The assessments we are talking about today are really looking at the ecological health such as what is happening to the plant species and the habitats, and looking at the impact of nutrients on the ecological and biological health of our waters, which is so important in supporting the rich biodiversity we have in our rivers, our lakes, and our estuaries around the country.