Potentially toxic blue-green algae has been found at a beach in Co Derry.
People visiting Magilligan Point have been urged not to enter the water with pet owners also asked to exercise caution.
It comes after a report was made of the potential blue-green algae at Magilligan Point beach adjacent to the ferry terminal on Monday 24 July.
A NIEA water quality inspector visited the area and following tests of the water confirmed the presence of the algae.
Just weeks ago, it was detected at a number of other beaches in the north west.
Department for Agriculture and Environmental Affairs (Daera) staff confirmed that the algae was found at Downhill Strand beach, leading to a red flag warning being issued at the time.
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Warnings were also in place at the time for nearby Castlerock and Portstewart Strand beaches.
The algae is harmful to human health and potentially fatal to dogs.
It has also been implicated in the deaths of several dogs in other locations where it has been detected.
Council advises that blue-green algae has been confirmed at Magilligan Point.
— Causeway Council (@CausewayCouncil) July 27, 2023
You should not enter the water & dogs should be kept on a lead away from the tide line.
Algae has not yet been confirmed in the surrounding area including Benone Strand.
Visit https://t.co/DYACuALzDu pic.twitter.com/PItRX48s7R
In a post on social media on Thursday, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council urged beach users to not enter the water.
"Council advises that blue-green algae has been confirmed at Magilligan Point," the statement said.
"You should not enter the water & dogs should be kept on a lead away from the tide line.
"Algae has not yet been confirmed in the surrounding area including Benone Strand."
