Environment Minister Andrew Muir has confirmed that Rea’s Wood at Lough Neagh is the only site in Northern Ireland to fail to meet minimum bathing water standards in 2025.

Announcing the latest results, Mr Muir said 24 of the region’s 33 identified bathing waters achieved an excellent rating, with a further five rated good and three sufficient. Seven new sites were added to the programme this year following its expansion in May.

“I am glad to see many sites meeting the excellent standard but acknowledge there is still a lot more to do to improve water quality and achieve consistency across all sites,” Mr Muir said. “I am disappointed but sadly not surprised that Rea’s Wood failed to meet the minimum standards. The site was plagued with blue green algae for the third season and there has been advice against bathing since July.”

The Minister said the presence of blue green algae in Lough Neagh had at times spread to the north noast, with temporary warnings issued at Portstewart. He confirmed that advice against bathing has now been lifted at both Portstewart and Rea’s Wood.

Three sites, Brompton, Cushendall and Ballyholme, improved in classification this year. Ballyholme has been rated good for the first time since 2015.

Mr Muir said he would continue working with local councils and agencies through the Better Beaches Forum to improve water quality and public information. He also announced a new interactive Bathing Water Quality Dashboard to help the public make informed choices about where to swim.

“I am also about to launch a new Bathing Water Review and I want to seek the views of all stakeholders in how we can further improve the advice my department gives around water quality issues,” he said.

According to DAERA, 30 of the 33 sites retained their 2024 classifications while three improved.

Excellent quality
Ballycastle, Ballygally, Ballyhornan, Brown’s Bay, Carnlough, Castlerock, Cloughey, Cranfield, Crawfordsburn, Cushendall, Groomsport, Helen’s Bay, Kilclief, Magilligan Benone, Magilligan Downhill, Millisle, Murlough, Portballintrae Salmon Rock, Portmuck, Portrush Curran, Portrush Mill, Portrush Whiterocks, Portstewart, Tyrella

Good quality
Ballyholme, Ballywalter, Brompton, Drain’s Bay, Waterfoot

Sufficient quality
Donaghadee, Newcastle, Warrenpoint

Poor quality
Rea’s Wood