Potentially toxic algae confirmed at Magilligan Point beach

Potentially toxic blue-green algae that has been discovered at beaches recently across the North has been confirmed at Magilligan Point in County Derry.

This comes just weeks after several beaches in the north coast were red-flagged by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) earlier this month.

The public, and their pets, are being advised not to enter the water until further notice due to the potentially toxic nature of the bacteria.

Blue-green algae can cause illness in humans, but is particularly dangerous for pets.

In an online statement Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council urged beach users to not enter the water "as a precautionary measure".

The statement read: "Council has been made aware that blue-green algae has been confirmed at Magilligan Point, beach users should not enter the water as a precautionary measure.

"Pet owners should also ensure that their animals do not have access to this water, dogs should be kept on a lead and away from the tide line.

"At this stage blue-green algae has not been confirmed in any other surrounding locations including Benone Strand."

Point Bar at Magilligan, a popular tourist spot at the affected beach, wrote: "The council has informed us this morning that the blue/green algae has been detected at Magilligan Point beach. 

"We are advising all our customers especially with children and dogs to not enter the water until further notice."

A previous RNLI red-flag status at Benone Strand, Castlerock Beach, Portstewart Strand and Downhill Strand was lifted on July 11.

Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) sampling of these beaches “confirmed” algae at Castlerock and “suspected blue-green algae” at Portstewart strand.

The beaches remained open but the RNLI red-flag status meant bathing was not allowed and people were told not to enter the water under any circumstances.

Rising temperatures and pollution create the right environment for an algal bloom to happen.

The National Trust previously said to protect yourself and others by staying out of the water until further notice.

The Trust wrote: "The most recent government report on water quality in Northern Ireland found that no rivers or lakes are in good condition, meaning that we are failing to keep our rivers and lakes clean and healthy.

"The Neagh Bann catchment is a vital ecosystem and this presence of algae is a sign that we need to better look after our inland and coastal waters."

The Department for Infrastructure is currently consulting on a budget that proposes not to treat wastewater, which would potentially see an increase in sewage getting into the water systems.

The Trust added: "We're working with partners across the environment sector to oppose any measures that would see any more backward steps in water quality."

The Public Health Agency advises that anyone who has come into contact with water containing blue-green algae should shower with fresh water immediately.

If you have come into contact or drunk affected water and feel unwell you should obtain medical attention. Symptoms generally begin within hours after exposure.

More expert information is available from the Public Health Agency at www.publichealth.hscni.net/ directorates/public-health/ health-protection/severe- weather/health-risk-humans- blue-green-algae