Second bathing ban in a month imposed at Clare lake

County Council issues prohibition at Ballyallia Lake over presence of blue-green algae

The second swimming ban in the past month has been introduced at Ballyallia Lake in County Clare by the local authority.

The prohibition on the lake, located just outside Ennis, has been introduced due to the presence of blue green algae.

These algae can produce toxins harmful for animals to drink and can cause skin rashes in humans.

At the end of August, a bathing prohibition was introduced for the lake after the results of routine bathing water samples showed elevated levels of bacteria.

“On the advice of the HSE, Clare County Council has on September 11, 2026, issued a bathing prohibition at the Ballyallia bathing area,” a statement from Clare County Council to the Irish Independent stated.

“The prohibition has been introduced due to the presence of an algal bloom at the bathing area.”

“Blue green algae can produce harmful toxins. Such toxins have been known to be harmful to animals that drink the water and skin rashes have occurred in humans following contact.

“Clare County Council will continue to monitor water quality at Ballyallia bathing area and will provide further updates as results become available.”