As Dubliners get ready to head to our coasts to enjoy the Bank Holiday weekend, Labour Leader and TD for Dublin Bay South Ivana Bacik has called on the government to pass the Dublin Bay Bill.
Deputy Bacik first tabled the Dublin Bay Bill in 2022. It proposes the establishment of a Dublin Bay Authority to conserve the natural amenity, to direct the development of the bay, and to protect swimmers’ health.
“All Dubliners have strong connections to our coastline, using the Bay for swimming, sailing and paddling in greater and greater numbers,” Deputy Bacik said.
Yet this wonderful natural amenity has been neglected for decades. Unfortunately, that neglect has consequences for our natural environment and public health.
“Concerns remain about pollution, wastewater discharge, foul smelling algae and potential damage from dredging of the port. Furthermore, parts of the coast have been allowed to fall into decay and disrepair.
“It is for that reason that I proposed the Dublin Bay Bill back in 2021. If passed, it would establish a new statutory Dublin Bay Taskforce which would have a specific mandate:
- to propose and promote policies and priorities for the protection and enhancement of the environment of Dublin Bay and of the natural habitats and wildlife in and around the Bay,
- to co-ordinate, promote and support strategic planning and sustainable development in and around Dublin Bay,
- to make recommendations to regulate and control pollution in and around Dublin Bay,
- to promote public interest in and respect for Dublin Bay as a public amenity, and
- to co-ordinate the activities of public bodies and other organisations and persons in matters connected with the performance of its functions.
“Membership of the Authority will come from elected members of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly and others with a special expertise or interest in the future protection of Dublin Bay. Environmental protection of the Bay will be a priority for the new Authority. However, it will also have a mandate to improve access and facilities around Dublin Bay.
“For decades we’ve had to endure the crumbling dereliction of the old Sandymount baths. These were hubs of community activity, hosting swimming contests, water polo matches, and featuring bandstands and music.
“These are the type of public uses that we need to see back at Dublin Bay. They are projects, not just for one local authority, but for the whole of Dublin. A new Authority with statutory powers could be transformative in improving access, including access for people with a disability, and delivering new recreational facilities for all of Dublin.
“The sunny weather has doubtless led many people to the coast this summer. While some positive progress has been made to made entry to the water more accessible for people with mobility challenges, so much more is needed. With the right ambition, we could see the remarkable potential of our Bay realised for the benefit of all Dubliners, and for visitors to the Capital too.
“The statutory model that I am proposing works. For instance, on the east coast of the US the deterioration and pollutions of Chesapeake Bay in the 1980s motivated political leaders of three States and Washington DC to join together to form a taskforce to save the bay.
“This focus has seen significant federal funding invested to preserve the future of the Bay, improved water standards and greater responsible use of the Bay local communities.
“I was encouraged by the warm response from the previous Minister for Housing, who committed to engaging with me to examine how best to implement Labour’s vision for the coast. Since then, little has been done. Constituents of mine want to know when the Bill will pass, and when they can swim stress-free, safe in the knowledge that water treatment is underway and pollution has been tackled.
“We need a joined-up approach to the future protection and enhancement of Dublin Bay. We need to act now, and my proposal is a necessary first step to change how we treat Dublin Bay and realise its remarkable potential. I am calling on the Government to work with me to pass the Dublin Bay Bill.”