Downpours near a premium Northern Ireland beach resort have caused rising levels of pollution, environmentalists have warned. Newcastle's sandy strip in Co Down was among three in the North suffering after summer storms encouraged toxic sewage and farm waste.
The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) yesterday warned that bathers' health could be endangered by the poor performance. Ballyholme, Co Down, and Carnlough, Co Antrim also failed to meet tough European standards.
The society's coastal pollution officer, Thomas Bell, said: "Heavy rain will periodically sweep waterborne pollutants such as raw sewage, organic refuse and farm waste from the land into rivers and the sea. The problem for swimmers is knowing when that has happened."
There were 23 beaches tested in Northern Ireland, 16 of which achieved a good standard. Another four rated a basic pass with some samples failing European Commission guidelines.
Mr Bell added: "MCS warned in May that climate change is forecast to bring summers punctuated by violent storms and flash floods, and report reflects the pollution pressures that such weather can bring."
The tests were carried out during the first 10 weeks of the summer season.