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DAERA launches interactive dashboard to track bathing water quality across Northern Ireland

  • Writer: Love Ballymena
    Love Ballymena
  • Jul 12
  • 2 min read
Ballycastle, on the Antrim Coast.

Ballycastle, on the Antrim Coast, with ‘Excellent’ standard bathing water quality.

(Image: Adhamh Connolly)


The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has today launched a new Bathing Water Quality Dashboard, enabling the public to make more informed decisions about swimming and water activities at designated bathing sites across Northern Ireland.


The dashboard, which features an interactive map and search tools, offers weekly sampling results for all 33 recognised bathing waters throughout the official bathing season — from 1st June to 15th September.



The platform can be accessed via the official DAERA website:



In a statement marking the launch, DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said:


“The new dashboard reflects our commitment to public health and environmental transparency. It gives communities the tools they need to enjoy our bathing waters safely and confidently.”



The dashboard includes:


  • Real-time map navigation with filters by location, name, region or bathing water operator (e.g. local council, National Trust)


  • Weekly water quality results, with both colour-coded indicators and numerical values


  • Detailed Bathing Water Profiles for each site, helping users understand local conditions and risks


  • A clear notice that data is not real-time, to help manage expectations and inform safer decisions



Ballycastle, on the Antrim Coast.

Ballycastle, on the Antrim Coast.

(Image: Adhamh Connolly)


During the bathing season, the water quality results are updated weekly, unless “Advice Against Bathing” is issued, in which case results are published as soon as they become available. Out-of-season sampling results are also added when applicable.


The 33 monitored bathing sites include both coastal and inland waters:



Coastal Locations


  • Ballycastle

  • Ballygally

  • Ballyhornan

  • Brown’s Bay

  • Carnlough

  • Castlerock

  • Cloughey

  • Cranfield

  • Crawfordsburn

  • Groomsport

  • Helen’s Bay

  • Kilclief

  • Magilligan Benone

  • Magilligan Downhill

  • Millisle

  • Murlough (Co Down)

  • Portballintrae Salmon Rock

  • Portrush Curran (East Strand)

  • Portrush Mill (West Strand)

  • Portrush Whiterocks

  • Portstewart

  • Tyrella

  • Ballywalter

  • Waterfoot

  • Ballyholme

  • Newcastle

  • Portmuck

  • Cushendall

  • Drain’s Bay

  • Brompton

  • Donaghadee

  • Warrenpoint


Inland Location


  • Rea’s Wood



Each Bathing Water Profile provides a comprehensive overview of the site, historical water quality data, and any environmental or pollution-related risks, ensuring users are fully informed before entering the water.


The platform can be accessed via the official DAERA website:




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