Applications for Designation of Bathing Waters 2026

Feedback updated 8 Sep 2026

We asked

In June 8th 2026 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

Two submissions were received before the closing date 24th July 2026. Both the submissions were for 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, Blackrock 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. Blackrock is not suitable to become a Designated Bathing Water site because it does not meet several key requirements, such as public toilets, changing facilities, emergency access, and sufficient visitor numbers. However, it will remain a monitored water location, and the area will continue to be cleaned and maintained daily.

Blackrock 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. 

Results updated 9 Sep 2026

Files:

Closed 24 Jul 2026

Opened 8 Jun 2026

Contact

Cleansing, Beaches and Coastal Protection

01 2054700

info@dlrcoco.ie

Overview

Each year, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council must decide which bathing waters (such as the sea, rivers, or lakes) are commonly used by the public for swimming during the bathing season.

To help with this, the public is asked for input to help identify bathing areas.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has guidance explaining:

  • what information you need to suggest a bathing area, and
  • how these suggestions are assessed.

You can download this guidance from the Resources section on the Beaches.ie website and it is also attached below. 

If a beach in your area is not listed this could be for various reasons such as low numbers of bathers, access issues, poor water quality or limited facilities.

Current identified bathing areas:

  • Seapoint Beach 
  • Sandycove Beach 
  • The Forty Foot Bathing Area 
  • Killiney Beach 
  • White Rock Beach 
  • The Dún Laoghaire Baths

The consultation period runs from Monday 8 June 2026 to Friday 24 July 2026. 

Why your views matter

Making a submission is an important way for you to have your say on how bathing waters in the county are protected, improved, and managed.

By sharing your suggestions, comments, or concerns, you can help shape decisions about the identification, review, and updating of designated bathing water areas.

Public input helps make sure that local knowledge, experiences, and priorities are taken into account. 

It also helps the council meet its legal responsibilities (under the Bathing Water Quality Regulations 2008) and provide safe, high-quality bathing areas for everyone.

What happens next

The local authority will review all submissions and take this information into account when making decisions about the identification, review, and updating of bathing waters.

The results of the consultation will be published here after it has closed.

Areas

  • All Areas

Audiences

  • Anyone from any background

Interests

  • Beaches