Mountshannon and Ballycuggeran bathing areas at Lough Derg in County Clare have been declared safe for swimming following a temporary closure prompted by an algal bloom scare last month.

Clare County Council confirmed today that water quality at both locations has returned to normal. The decision follows consultation with the Health Service Executive and further investigations which found no remaining evidence of the bloom. The initial presence of the bloom was identified on September 25th.

Although swimming is now permitted, permanent cautionary signage has been installed at both sites to ensure the public is informed in the event of future blooms.

Algal blooms occur when algae multiply rapidly in water, often due to excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus from agricultural runoff or wastewater.

While algae are a natural part of aquatic ecosystems, certain species can produce toxins that pose risks to human health and wildlife. These toxins may cause skin irritation, gastrointestinal illness, or respiratory issues in humans. In severe cases, blooms can deplete oxygen levels in the water, leading to fish kills and disruption of aquatic habitats.