A temporary advisory against bathing at Portstewart Strand has been lifted after water samples showed no evidence of risk to the public.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) issued the notice on Wednesday following a suspected pollution incident. It advised the public not to enter the water and to keep dogs on leads while the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and DAERA investigated.

Samples collected from the beach on Wednesday were tested for bacteria associated with sewage or animal waste. By Thursday, DAERA confirmed that levels were not high enough to pose a danger, and the advisory was withdrawn. Signs warning against bathing have been removed.

The National Trust, which manages the strand, said it had been notified that the sampling returned within normal limits. The organisation thanked DAERA, the NIEA, and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council for their assistance.

The NIEA has now opened an investigation into the pollution incident, which was first reported on Tuesday 2 June. The cause remains undetermined.

DAERA also said that a similar advisory issued for Helen's Bay in County Down on Tuesday had been lifted after testing. Visitors are encouraged to check the NI Bathing Water Quality Dashboard and on-site signage for the latest information.