A €6.7m EU-backed initiative to combat the effects of pollution on bathing waters in Ireland and Wales has been announced.

The Acclimatize project will help to improve the quality of sea shores in both countries.

It is hoped this will help boost tourism and support marine activities, including shellfish harvesting.

Led by University College Dublin (UCD) in partnership with Aberystwyth University, the project will identify sources of pollution and their impact on bathing waters as a result of climate change.

The project has been backed by the EU's Ireland-Wales cooperation programme and will use and develop a range of technologies.

This will include real-time predictive tools to monitor water quality.

The project will focus on bathing waters including Dublin Bay and Cemaes Bay in Anglesey.

Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe said: "The Acclimatize project represents an important contribution to enhancing the quality and economic sustainability of the shared resource that is the Irish Sea.

"It is encouraging to see such EU-funded cross-border projects continuing.

"The Irish Government is committed to the continued implementation of the Ireland Wales programme."

Welsh Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford added: "Preserving and enhancing the marine and coastal environment in Wales and Ireland for economic prosperity and enjoyment by current and future generations is of vital importance.

"This is another positive example of how EU funds are supporting local economies and communities by helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change."