Swimmers around the country can breathe a little easier this year. The quality of Ireland’s bathing waters has shown a noticeable improvement.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its annual Bathing Water Quality in Ireland report. With it, 2024 marks the best year since the current classification system began in 2014.
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Excellent Ratings Hit Record High
Out of 151 officially designated bathing sites, 122 (81%) were rated “Excellent” by the EPA – the highest percentage in over a decade. Only two beaches were rated “Poor,” a drop from five in 2023.
The improved performance highlights the progress made at several beaches that had previously failed. Balbriggan Front Strand and Loughshinny, Co Dublin, and Trá na mBan in An Spidéal, Co Galway, all moved up from “Poor” to meet higher standards this year. The EPA credited local authorities’ management plans for these improvements.
Persistent Trouble Spots
Two of Ireland’s bathing waters failed to meet minimum water quality standards, meaning they’re a health risk. These were Sandymount, Co Dublin and Lady’s Bay in Buncrana, Co Donegal. Both have consistently struggled in recent years and remain under “No Swim” warnings.
At Sandymount, the EPA found sewage overflows, misconnected drains, and contamination from dog waste and birds as the main causes. In Buncrana, untreated wastewater from the town’s collection system was blamed.
Pollution & Monitoring Concerns
Despite the positive news, pollution concerns remain. There were 34 confirmed pollution events in 2024, compared to 45 the year before. Most were linked to wastewater overflows, often caused by heavy rainfall. Other issues included dog fouling, bird waste, algal blooms, and misconnected drains.
Another concern raised by the EPA is that testing only takes place during the official bathing season (June 1 to September 15). However, more and more people are swimming year-round. The lack of data from October through May leaves a blind spot in public health protection.
New Sites Join the List
3 new bathing water sites were added this year:
- The Cove in Greystones, Co Wicklow
- Half-Moon, Co Dublin (rated “Excellent”)
- Dromineer Lake, Co Tipperary
The Cove and Dromineer are awaiting full classification pending more data.
Rainfall & Runoff: A Growing Threat
EPA officials continue to raise the alarm about climate-related pressures on water quality. Increasingly intense and frequent rainfalls are causing stormwater systems to overflow, sending untreated water directly into Ireland’s bathing waters.
“Heavy rainfall in the west and northwest last August led to many beaches being closed to protect swimmers’ health,” said Dr Eimear Cotter, director of the EPA’s Office of Evidence and Assessment.
She emphasised the need for climate resilience, urging local authorities to invest in better infrastructure and understand how rainfall affects water quality.
The Push for Long-Term Solutions
Dr Cotter said that while progress has been made, some areas still urgently need investment. The improvements seen at beaches like Trá na mBan show what’s possible when resources are directed effectively.
The EPA is calling for continued upgrading of wastewater treatment systems. It also recommends sustainable urban drainage systems and improved farming practices to reduce runoff from agricultural lands.
Another key area for improvement is when bathing water is tested. Expanding water testing beyond the summer months is essential to meet the needs of year-round swimming.
Conclusion: Ireland’s Bathing Waters
The quality of Ireland’s bathing waters is on the rise. But ongoing threats from pollution and extreme weather mean that vigilance and investment are still needed.
If the momentum continues, Irish waters can become even safer and cleaner for everyone. However, to ensure this safety is year-round, increased testing needs to match how people use these waters.
At Southern Scientific, we’re committed to supporting this progress. With nationwide facilities and advanced water monitoring solutions, we help public and private partners stay ahead of environmental risks – during the bathing season and beyond.
