Swimming ban in place at Dollymount Strand due to sewage discahrge

Labour MEP for Dublin Aodhán Ó Ríordáin has called for a stronger framework to protect Dublin’s bay.

Following a ban on swimming in water near Dollymount Strand due to discharge of sewage, Ó Ríordáin said it is representative of the decline of Dublin under Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil’s watch.

Ó Ríordáin said “Dublin Bay is such a fantastic natural resource enjoyed by so many, but its neglect by the State has become increasingly pronounced. Particularly during the summer months, so many swimmers enjoy a dip at all hours of the day. More and more, warnings and bans are issued following sewage runoff which is just not acceptable.”

“A city that can’t keep its iconic bay and natural resources clean is clear evidence that protecting the environment is simply not a priority. Under Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil’s watch, there has been a hands off approach to Dublin City and the surrounds and it’s just not good enough.

The Labour MEP said that “no swim notices are becoming more and more common after heavy rainfall, so why has this government failed to put a framework in place to deal with this persistent structural issue?”

“Labour has long proposed a solution to the problem, to stop the neglect of the Bay and improve it as an amenity for all to enjoy. Labour’s Dublin Bay Bill would establish an authority to preserve and protect the Bay – including regulating and controlling pollution in and around the bay to put an end to swim bans.”

“People from all over Dublin, as well as residents associations, swimming clubs, and environmental activists, have been crying out for a stronger vision for tackling pollution and dereliction along our coast. I’m urging Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil to stop neglecting our great city, for the love of Dublin.””