4 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Bathing restriction in place at Dollymount Strand due to ‘suspected sewage discharge'
The restriction came into effect on June 3 and is expected to remain in effect for four days.
Dublin City Council has said there is a risk of deterioration of water quality due to discharge from the wastewater treatment plant and the incident was likely caused by heavy rainfall.
The water will be resampled and results will be made available upon their receipt.
The HSE and the Environmental Protection Agency have been notified, while swimmers have been urged to not enter the water as swimming may cause illness.
Meanwhile, bathing is prohibited at Sandymount Strand to prevent exposure of swimmers to pollution.
Dublin MEP, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, called for action to be taken to reverse 'years of neglect'.
'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,' he said.
'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.'
Mr Ó Riordáin said 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.'
