Restrictions lifted on swimming at two north Dublin beaches
Temporary swimming restrictions have now been lifted at Rush South and Portrane beaches in north Dublin.
The ‘do not swim’ notices were introduced by Fingal County Council on August 9 following a sewage overflow at the nearby pump station.
Samples collected by the authority on Wednesday, August 13, showed water quality at the two locations was now ‘excellent’.
Following consultation with the HSE, Fingal County Council decided to lift the restrictions on bathing.
The news comes as the country looks set for a warm weekend ahead, with temperatures set to hit up to 27C.
Saturday in particular is looking like a hot, dry day, likely to entice many Dubliners out and onto their local beaches.
Until the recent restrictions, Rush South beach was classified as having ‘excellent’ water quality so far during the 2025 bathing season, according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s beaches.ie website.
Water quality at Portrane was classed as either ‘excellent’ or ‘good’.
The most recent samples taken on Balbriggan, Front Strand beach on August 11 returned a result of ‘excellent’ water quality.
Sandymount Strand has a no-swim restriction which has been in place for the entire 2025 season.
The public can usually check water quality at the 153 bathing waters across Ireland in advance by accessing beaches.ie, but there is a service disruption today preventing updates.
Each beach also has a notice board which highlights the water status.