A temporary advisory against bathing at Ballygally beach in County Antrim has been lifted, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) confirmed on Saturday, June 6.

Follow-up monitoring indicated that poor water quality for faecal indicator organisms was no longer a risk at the designated bathing water site. DAERA advised the public to check its Northern Ireland Bathing Water Quality Dashboard and on-site signage for the latest information.

The warning was issued one day earlier, on Friday, June 5, after Mid and East Antrim Borough Council was notified of a recent sample with a higher than acceptable result. The council advised against entering the sea until levels returned to acceptable standards.

Ballygally is one of five designated bathing waters in the Mid and East Antrim area, alongside Browns Bay, Carnlough, Drains Bay, and Portmuck. DAERA monitors these sites during the bathing season, which runs until September 15, and classifies water quality as excellent, good, satisfactory, or issues temporary advice against bathing when necessary.

Heavy rainfall is the likely cause of the bacterial rise, according to the council. It recommends that people avoid entering the sea for at least 48 hours after periods of heavy rain. Good hygiene practices, such as washing hands and face after contact with sea water and avoiding ingestion, are also advised.