27% of clean beaches in Londonderry

Castlerock, Benone, Downhill and Portstewart all made the guide. Benone is described by the society as a “firm sandy beach, seven miles long and backed by one of the largest sand dune systems in the UK.”

And Downhill is “the eastern end of a magnificent seven mile stretch of sands running from Downhill Cliffs to Magilligan Point. It is overlooked and benefits from spectacular views of Donegal Coast and beyond.”

Angela Halpenny, Head of Environmental Regulation at Northern Ireland Water stated: “While the result is one less than last year, the overall picture is excellent considering the extremely wet summer of 2012.

“NI Water has continued with its commitment to invest time and money in our wastewater network. We are delighted to see the results of this work beginning to show in the increased quality of our bathing water.

“However, our aim is always to maintain and improve on these results, but we cannot do it on our own. This is a collective challenge and one which depends on all our partners and the public playing an active role.

“There are really simple actions we can all take to protect our beaches and our water quality.”

A survey by the MCS showed the amount of bathroom rubbish such as cotton buds, condoms and sanitary towels on beaches had increased by 40 per cent since 2009.

To help reduce the issue of litter on beaches, NI Water’s advice is simple ‘Bag it and Bin it’ – don’t flush it.”

NI Water Press Office 028 9035 4710 or [email protected] Notes to Editors Details of the MSC Good Beach Guide are on www.goodbeachguide.co.uk.