Overview

• Routine monitoring on Thursday found high levels of blue-green algae at Benone Strand, prompting Daera to notify the local council to issue advice against bathing for the bank holiday weekend.
• Daera said no other north coast beaches are affected at present and that monitoring will continue with further updates to bathing water operators as required.
• Blue-green algae can produce toxins that cause gastrointestinal illness and skin, eye or throat irritation.
• Officials have recorded more than 100 detections across Northern Ireland this year, with repeated blooms at Lough Neagh and reports in Lough Erne and the River Bann.
• Environment Minister Andrew Muir called for additional Stormont support and urged compliance after reports that some swimmers entered the water despite lifeguard warnings.