Ballycastle & Cushendall beaches among Northern Ireland’s top-rated waters in 2025 DAERA results

North Antrim MLA Sian Mulholland has praised Ballycastle bathing waters as they have once again achieved the highest possible rating for water quality. 

Environment Minister Andrew Muir has announced the 2025 bathing water classification results, revealing that Ballycastle Beach has once again achieved the highest possible rating for water quality.

The annual assessment, published by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), confirms that Ballycastle is one of 24 beaches across Northern Ireland rated ‘Excellent’, the top grade available.

This year’s results follow the expansion of the bathing water monitoring programme in May, which added seven new sites, bringing the total to 33 identified bathing locations across Northern Ireland.

Classifications are determined by bacteriological standards over a four-year sampling period, alongside visual checks for blue-green algae and pollution.

Of the 33 sites assessed, 24 achieved ‘Excellent’ status, five were rated ‘Good’, three were deemed ‘Sufficient’, and one – Rea’s Wood in Lough Neagh – failed to meet minimum standards.

Minister Muir: “A lot more to do to improve water quality”

Announcing the results, Minister Andrew Muir said:

“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 and excellent performance across all sites.

“We have all seen the devastating scenes at Lough Neagh. I am therefore disappointed but sadly not surprised that Rea’s Wood in Lough Neagh failed to meet the minimum standards. The site was plagued with blue green algae for the third season and unfortunately there has been ‘advice against bathing’ at the site since July.”

Highlighting wider environmental concerns, the Minister added:

“It is really concerning that the blue green algae in Lough Neagh has on occasions spread to our North Coast during the last three seasons. As recently as last week at Portstewart, my officials have had to issue ‘advice against bathing.’ I am glad to be able to announce that we have been able to lift the ‘advice against bathing’ at both Portstewart and Rea’s Wood.

“I want to thank our Bathing Water Operator partners who have worked with us in getting the messages out to the public quickly and consistently throughout the season.”

Upgrades for Ballyholme, Brompton and Cushendall

Three sites have seen an improvement in classification this year, including Ballyholme, which has underperformed for many years.

Minister Muir said:

“It is encouraging to see that three sites have improved in classification this year: at Brompton, Cushendall and Ballyholme. At the first two sites, this improvement may be due to the increase in data available, but Ballyholme has been classified as ‘Good’ for the first time since this system was introduced in 2015.”

He reaffirmed his Department’s commitment to improving Northern Ireland’s bathing waters, adding:

“I am committed to continuing to work with agencies and local councils in improving both water quality and the information and advice that we offer to the public through the Better Beaches Forum led by my officials.”

Interactive Bathing Water Dashboard Launched

DAERA has also launched a new interactive Bathing Water Quality Dashboard, allowing the public to check live water quality information for all 33 designated bathing sites.

The dashboard provides real-time updates via an interactive map and is available at nidirect.gov.uk/articles/bathing-water-quality.

Minister Muir confirmed plans for a new consultation:

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

Local Praise for Ballycastle’s Continued Excellence

Alliance MLA Sian Mulholland welcomed Ballycastle’s continued top-tier rating, saying:

“This is fantastic news for Ballycastle and for everyone who enjoys our beautiful coastline. Having our local beach recognised at the highest standard is a real testament to the efforts of the local community, Causeway Coast and Glens Council, and all those who work to protect and promote our coastal environment.”

She added:

“Clean, safe beaches are vital, not just for local families but for tourism and our wider economy. It’s brilliant to see Ballycastle maintaining such a high standard – I’ll continue to work with the Minister and others to make sure our beaches are protected for generations to come.”

Ballycastle joins Cushendall, Portstewart, Portrush and Whiterocks among the ‘Excellent’-rated beaches along Northern Ireland’s North Coast.

Full results and classifications are available at daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/bathing-water-quality.