Wexford sauna operators still in the dark as council await details of new legislation

By Simon Bourke, Wexford People

Budding entrepreneurs hoping to capitalise on Wexford’s reputation as the sunniest county in Ireland may face “capital punishment” if they fall foul of the local council’s planning rules. That’s according to Councillor Joe Sullivan who expressed his frustration at inconsistent legislation regarding outdoors saunas at the monthly meeting of the Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District (GKMD).

Having spent the early months of 2025 trying to assist prospective sauna operators in getting their businesses set up, Cllr Sullivan found himself returning to the same topic a year on.

“There’s some inconsistency around the county on this,” he said. “There’s a sauna called The Sweaty Horsebox in Ballinesker Beach – but it seems if you try and set one up here you’ll nearly get capital punishment. If we have a consistent policy all over the county everyone could have one.”

Under the current legislation, any saunas on private land require a planning application for change of use, while anything on public land requires a permit. But executive planner with Wexford County Council (WCC) Eoghan Nolan said his team were seeking an update on this.

“We don’t have an update on the legislation, we haven’t received anything (from the department) so we can’t provide any more information,” he said. “There are issues around what is considered temporary under the current legislation, that’s what the national planning authority is trying to resolve.”

However, according to Cllr Anthony Donohue, the aforementioned Sweaty Horsebox is located in a “county council car park”.

“That’s my point and why we need clarity,” continued Cllr Sullivan. “We’re a year into this, and we don’t appear to be any further down the line.”

With cathaoirleach of the GKMD, Cllr Donal Kenny, calling for a “level playing field”, district manager Anita McLoughlin said the council could look at how it issues permits to saunas on public land.

“It’s hard to get planning permission for a yoke you roll around on wheels,” replied Cllr Sullivan.