Environment Minister Jeff Rooker has announced the publication of the "Review of Identification of Northern Ireland Bathing Waters in 2006", which seeks views on review proposals and the nomination of seven candidate bathing waters for identification and one existing site for de-identification. It will also see the development of a sustainable identification policy. Rooker described the proposals as "a positive move in the continuing programme to protect and improve Northern Ireland's water environment." In addition, he welcomed the review as a crucial element in our framework of water protection policy, which involves the implementation of the revised Bathing Water Directive 2006/7/EC and the Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC.
It is hoped the review will add a further dimension to improving and protecting water quality and will contribute to Northern Ireland's sustainable development strategy.
The revised Bathing Water Directive was adopted on 15 February 2006 and must be fully implemented by the end of the 2015 bathing season.
