CORK COUNTY COUNCIL is to carry out further tests on waters from seven beaches in the county today, as a warning remains in place for swimmers to avoid the areas due to concerns about E.coli.

The advisory against swimming in the beaches was issued last Friday when levels exceeding EU limits were found at the beaches.

The beaches affected are Redbarn, the Front Strand and Claycastle in Youghal; Garretstown, near Kinsale; Garryvoe, near Castlemartyr; Coolmaine, near Kilbrittain; and Oysterhaven.

Three of the seven beaches – Redbarn, Garretstown and Garryvoe – are designated Blue Flag beaches, an award reflecting the quality of the water there.

The council says the moves are precautionary and will remain in place until the water quality has improved. The Health Service Executive and the Environmental Protection Agency have been consulted over the levels.

The disruption has led to calls for more frequent testing of water quality at the beaches.

A similar advisory was briefly put in place last month at three beaches in Co Clare, when a similarly unacceptable presence of E.coli was found during routine tests.