Dublin beaches hit with two-month swimming ban over wastewater overflow risk
Two popular Dublin beaches have been hit with swimming restrictions that could remain in place for up to two months after concerns emerged over a potential wastewater overflow.
This come during a week in which a number of beaches and bathing spots across Dublin have been affected by due to heavy and persistent rainfall.
Fingal County Council has now issued precautionary “Do Not Swim” notices at Rush North and Rush South beaches for June and July following advice from Uisce Éireann that there is a risk of an overflow at the Tower Bay Wastewater Pumping Station.
According to Uisce Éireann, the pumping station is currently operating with only one functioning pump after two pumps failed on June 7. While one of the pumps was successfully reset, the second could not be restarted and requires replacement.
Investigations indicated the failure was caused by normal wear and tear. A replacement is expected to be installed at the end of July.
“There has been no uncontrolled release, but there is potential for one,” Fingal County Council said in a statement.
“Given the seriousness of the situation, which may directly impact Rush North and Rush South beaches, we will be implementing a ‘Do Not Swim’ notice as a precautionary measure to protect public health, including the placement of signage at both beaches.”
“This decision also considers the rainfall forecast for the coming days, which may further increase the risk of an overflow.”
“As the replacement pump is not expected to be in place until the end of July, this measure may remain in place for up to two months,” the local authority added.
The council said the wastewater pumping station will be monitored daily while temporary measures remain in place.
Until recent restrictions, both beaches were recorded “excellent” results from the bathing water quality samples taken this month.
Meanwhile beach users have been urged to comply with the warning notices, which have been put in place “to ensure that the health of bathers is not compromised”.
Members of the public can check water quality at monitored bathing waters through the EPA’s Beaches.ie website or by consulting notice boards at beach entrances.