People are being advised to be vigilant and mind their pets if out at Coosan Point after a recent occurrence of a toxic algae bloom poisoned a dog out swimming.

Westmeath County Council has erected signs this month, warning people about the dangers of the algae for animals which forms during spells of dry weather with little or no wind.

Cllr Kevin 'Boxer' Moran said that the dog's owner approached both himself and the council to alert them to the danger and said it was a tragic thing to happen any pet lover. The man had also been swimming, but was not affected by the algae.

"This is an on-going thing on the Shannon in good weather. People need to be aware of the signs and mind their animals," said Cll Moran.