Applications for Designation of Bathing Waters 2025
Feedback updated 13 Aug 2025
We asked
In May 2025 DLRCoCo invited the public to make submissions in the identification of Bathing Waters under the Bathing Waters Directive and the Bathing Water Quality Regulations 2008 (SI No 79 of 2008).
You said
Three submissions were received before the closing date 27th June 2025. One submission was for the Quinns’ road entry point area on Shankill beach, the second was for the Corbawn Lane entry point area to Shankill beach, and a third submission was received for Williamstown Sea front in Blackrock.
We did
All submissions were reviewed against the EPA criteria provided in the framework to assist the local authorities in the assessment of submissions for the identification of new bathing waters. Unfortunately, all three did not satisfy the minimum criteria required to be considered designated bathing areas due to safety concerns and the financial commitments required to bring these locations up to designated bathing water standards. We would like to point out that Corbawn lane in Shankill is already a Monitored Water location in DLRCoCo inside and outside of bathing season. This means that regular water samples are taken and made public on DLRCoCo website and social media channels. All three locations will continue to be attended regularly for the removal of rubbish, to check public water safety equipment etc. Access points will continue to be maintained as required.
Overview
Each year, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is required to identify bathing waters (sea, river or lake surface waters) within their area which they consider to be widely used by the public for bathing for the upcoming bathing season.
Public participation is needed during May and June each year for the identification of identified bathing areas. The EPA has produced guidance for the public on what information is required to nominate bathing areas and how this should be assessed, this is available to download from the Resources page of the Beaches.ie website (see related link below).
If your particular beach is not identified by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council this could be for various reasons such as low numbers of bathers, accessibility issues, poor water quality or limited amenities.
Existing identified bathing waters within Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council are as follows:
- Seapoint Beach
- Sandycove Beach
- The Forty Foot Bathing Area
- Killiney Beach
- White Rock Beach
- The Dun Laoghaire Baths
The consultation period closed on Friday 27th of June 2025 and three submissions were received. They were as follows;
- Shankill (2)
- Williamstown/Blackrock
Comments from interested parties regarding these submissions should be submitted to Cleansing and Beaches section, ICC Department, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, County Hall, Marine Road, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin.
Areas
- All Areas
Audiences
- Anyone from any background
Interests
- Beaches
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