Outrage as Dublin beaches face two-month swimming ban over wastewater overflow risk
Residents have voiced anger and frustration after two popular north Dublin beaches were hit with swimming restrictions that could remain in place for two months at the height of the summer season.
Earlier this week, Fingal County Council issued “Do Not Swim” notices at Rush North and Rush South beaches following advice from Uisce Éireann that there is a risk of an overflow at the Tower Bay Wastewater Pumping Station.
The restrictions, which could remain in place until the end of July, come during a week in which a number of beaches and bathing spots across Dublin have been affected by water quality concerns following periods of heavy rainfall.
Angela Byrne, a local resident and a member of Rush Tourism, said the restrictions would have implications for both visitors and local residents who use the sea year-round.
“People coming to the beach are expecting to be able to use the water. It doesn’t encourage visitors to come back to our beach,” she said.
“We also have our local groups who swim on a daily basis. A lot of people swim for their mental health and wellbeing, and now that has been taken away from them.”
Ms Byrne said Rush has a strong year-round community of sea swimmers and beach users, well beyond the traditional bathing season.
“People in Rush swim all year round, 52 weeks of the year. Every day of the week there are swimmers in Rush, as well as people kitesurfing, surfing and sailing.
“I like to go for a swim every day, but now I can’t. I won’t even be able to walk my dog on the beach. We’re all nervous. What’s out there? What’s in the water? What’s on the beach?”
She also raised concerns about the potential impact on upcoming events in the area, including sailing competitions and the popular Fingal Air Display, both of which attract large crowds to the town each year.
Angela Byrne walking her dog, Max at South Rush Beach
“We have a huge event happening in our local sailing club in August. If we don’t get clarity on this, that could be in jeopardy.
“We also have the Fingal Air Display in August, which brings thousands of people to our beaches. Are they going to be open for that?
“We’re asking Fingal County Council and Uisce Éireann to commit to regular and transparent water quality monitoring throughout this period. We want water testing carried out on a weekly basis, with the results published immediately,” Ms Byrne added.
According to Uisce Éireann, the Tower Bay Wastewater 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 now requires replacement.
Investigations carried out by the utility found the failure was caused by “normal wear and tear”. A replacement pump has been ordered, but Uisce Éireann warned there is a lengthy “lead-in time”, with delivery and installation not expected until the end of July.
Local representatives criticised the length of time expected to replace a failed pump at the facility, warning that the restrictions could have a significant impact on residents, visitors and local businesses during one of the busiest periods of the year.
Labour Party councillor Corina Johnston said people in Rush were “absolutely incensed” by the situation.
“It shouldn’t take two months to sort the parts. This is the busiest period of the year for the beaches,” she said.
“It’s not acceptable in this day and age for it to take two months for this issue to be resolved. There has to be a mechanism where they can source the part from somewhere in the world, no matter what the cost.”
She said the restrictions would affect not only local residents but also visitors who travel to Rush during the summer months.
“A lot of people who have holiday homes in Rush come out here during the summer period. Children and families who go to the beach can’t get into the water and swim.”
“It’s outrageous. It’s totally unacceptable that this has happened and that they’re talking about no access to a swimming facility in the summer, the peak season, for two months.
“People are very angry and very upset, and I don’t blame them,” Cllr Johnston added.
Fingal County Council said the swimming restrictions were introduced as a precautionary public health measure.
In a statement, the local authority said: “There has been no uncontrolled release, but there is potential for one.
“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.”
Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore described the restrictions as “devastating news” for swimmers, visitors and businesses.
“The loss of these valuable amenities will also have a negative impact on the many local coffee shops, restaurants and pubs that depend on tourism,” she said.
“Of major concern, however, is the potential for sewage overflow into the sea and the significant consequences such an ecological disaster would have for marine life, public health and the local environment.”
Meanwhile Uisce Éireann has been contacted for comment.