A number of children have reportedly fallen ill after bathing in waterways in Leitrim in the last number of days.
Parents are reporting children vomiting and feeling unwell after swimming in waterways.
Leitrim County Council has issued an official warning to the public to avoid certain areas of the county for bathing.
It is a result of issues with water quality.
The public is being asked to avoid swimming at non-designated bathing areas.
However, in Leitrim there is only one - Keeldra Lake.
But, a swimming ban is in place at there since the beginning June due to the presence of an algal bloom.
The Council issued two notices on its social media channels on Tuesday.
One was warning against entering the water at Dromod Harbour / Shannon Cove marina as it is not suitable for swimming.
It is also not a recognised bathing area.
Warning
A warning was also been issued about water quality at Acres Lake and Carmongan.
The Council is asking people to avoid swimming and contact with waters where there is an algal bloom/scum in the water.
They are advising against bathing in Marina's or Harbours that are shared with boats.
The Council is also urging anyone who may feel sick after bathing to contact their GP.
Anyone who notices symptoms of illness among children should also report them to the HSE.
It is also advised that no animals such as dogs are allowed into waterways.
Council
The full statement from the Council is below:
With the extreme temperatures, Leitrim County Council would like to issue the following advice on water quality in lakes.
The public are advised to avoid swimming in non-designated bathing areas. Swimming and contact with waters where there is an algal bloom/scum in the water or near to the shore should be avoided.
Leitrim County Council advises against bathing in Marina’s or Harbours that are shared with boats. Incidences of illness that arise after bathing in such areas should be reported to the HSE. The HSE has advised us to inform parents of children who become sick following swimming to see their family doctor or GP. Where the GP suspects there may be a general public health concern, the GP will notify the Public Health Section of the HSE about such incidents.
In addition, it is advised that dogs should also be kept out of such waters.
