To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs how the public are alerted of sewerage spills around public beaches and bathing areas.

Pollution incidents to any watercourse including beaches should be reported through to the 24 hour Water Pollution Hotline, informing the NIEA Emergency Pollution Team. There are agreed mechanisms and protocols in place which quickly inform relevant authorities including the local council who will erect signs to alert the general public at identified bathing waters. There are 26 identified bathing waters around the coast of Northern Ireland.