Fingal Council looking for suggestions on potential new bathing areas

Fingal County Council is asking local residents and sea swimmers to identify whether they think existing bathing spots in the county should be maintained or if new areas that are commonly used for swimming should be designated as official bathing spots.

Under European and Irish law, city and county councils must identify bathing waters each year so these areas can be monitored to ensure they meet stringent microbiological water quality standards.

In some cases, the official bathing areas are also the areas where councils focus their resources providing lifeguards during the summer season.

The law also requires that the local authority prepares detailed descriptions for each of the identified bathing waters which describes not only the bathing spot but also areas in the surface waters catchment area that could be a source of pollution.

The profiles include an assessment of the risk of pollution and what action would be taken if pollution happens.

If you are a regular swimmer and want to help your Council decide which bathing areas should be identified for season 2023, it may be helpful to consider the following:
· How your swimming area has been used up to now?
· How many people use the site?
· What facilities (e.g. signage, parking, toilets, picnic area etc) exist at the site and how accessible it is?
· Any safety issues?

If you wish to propose your favourite beach/river etc as a new bathing water site or comment on an existing site, you can make your submission through the consultation portal.

Closing date for submissions is Thursday, 9th June 2022.