Kilkenny event postponed as Public Health Officials deem River Nore unsafe

Due to water quality issues, the Nore Swim & Marble City Mile joint event which was due to take place this weekend has been postponed. 

Earlier this week, Kilkenny County Council has announced a temporary bathing prohibition is in place at The Weir, Bleach Road and at Bishops Meadows on the outskirts of the city.

The decision followed a recommendation by Public Health Officials, as a result of failed water quality tests which show high levels of bacteria present in both locations. - READ MORE HERE

"This is not the first time a swim event has been cancelled due to the continued high levels of what are essentially faecal bacteria in the Nore," a spokesperson for the event said.

"A subgroup of the Weir swim group formed last year to find answers. On this occasion, the council says they have not found the source of the pollution," they continued.

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"There are *amazingly* *no* *official* *designated* *bathing spots* on the Nore. Or in *any* inland waterways in Ireland (unlike Europe) there are only common use bathing areas.

"Our group are compiling a comprehensive list of regular swimmers in the Nore as this is required to "prove" the River is used by enough people to be designated. It's time to step up if you care what you're swimming in," they continued.

"What's in your river today may end up in your tap water tomorrow- water quality affects us all."

The group are working on an alternative date in August which will be announced in the near future.

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