The Environmental Protection Agency has rated the quality of water at 11 bathing locations in Clare as excellent.
Its 2014 report sampled water quality along the coast at Cappagh Pier, Kilkee, Whitestrand Doonbeg, Spanish Point, White Strand in Miltown Malbay, Lahinch, Fanore and Bishopsquarter as well as at three inland sites, namely Ballyalla Lake, Ballycuggeran and Mountshannon.
New stricter guidelines assess the results over a four year period, but the water is rated as excellent in all locations and in each category assessed.
Nationally, seven sites have been identified as poor including Ballyloughane Beach and Clifden Beach in Galway.
The problems, according to Irish Water, relate in many instances to sewage discharges where the infrastructure is inadequate.
