Just a third of Northern Ireland's bathing beaches are getting top marks for water quality, a figure well below the national average for the UK as a whole.

The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) says a disappointing eight beaches of 24 meet the standard required for an excellent rating while two fail to meet the basic minimum safety standards.

Years of under-investment in sewerage infrastructure combined with run-off carrying fertilisers and animal waste from the heavily agricultural province has led to poor water quality for many sections of the coastline.

Across the UK, 55% of bathing beaches received top marks compared with Northern Ireland's 33% while just over 5% failed to make the basic grade, compared with almost 10% in NI.

This story is from edie Ireland.  Read this story in full here: Northern Ireland's 'dirty' beaches slammed by report.