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EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations amend The Quality of Bathing Water Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2008 in the following ways.

Regulation 3 is amended so that the Department must annually publish information regarding bathing waters.

Regulation 7 is amended so that the Department must establish a bathing water profile for every bathing water before the start of the bathing season.

Regulation 9 is amended to make reference to the symbols required to be displayed in accordance with the Commission Implementing Decision (2011/321/EU) of 27 May 2011 establishing, pursuant to Directive 2006/7/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, a symbol for information to the public on bathing water classification and any bathing water prohibition or advice against bathing.

Regulation 10 is amended to clarify how the Department shall disseminate public information in regard to bathing waters, including information on short-term pollution incidents and management measures being taken.

Regulation 13 is amended so that the Department must use appropriate media and technologies to actively and promptly disseminate information during pollution incidents.

Regulation 14 is amended to clarify the actions that must be taken by the Department and by bathing water operators when permanent advice against bathing has been issued.

Regulation 15 is amended to clarify when additional management measures in regard to short-term pollution shall be taken at bathing waters.