Dún Laoghaire Baths off limits for summer after 'poor' bathing water rating

Sarah Slater

Dún Laoghaire Baths have received a “poor bathing water” classification by the Environmental Protection Agency and are off limits to swimmers this summer.

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has been informed by the EPA that the recent bathing water classification for Dún Laoghaire Baths is for the upcoming 2026 bathing season.

Two isolated incidents in July 2025 resulted in elevated readings. One was linked to an unexpected, intense rainfall event that caused a temporary overflow from the wastewater network.

The second sample returned inconclusive results despite an advanced polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test conducted to try to identify the microbial source of the poor sample, be that human, dog or gull. These incidents do not reflect the overall pattern of high-water quality at the site.

However, the council has pointed out that the classification is based “solely on test results from the 2025 season”.

In a statement, the local authority pointed out that when the full data from 2023 to last year is considered, the bathing water at thelocation meets the standard for good quality.

“Throughout 2023, 2024 and 2025, we have exceeded national monitoring requirements, carrying out significantly more sampling than mandated to ensure the public receives the most accurate and up to date information,” the council continued.

“Across the 48 samples taken over the three bathing seasons, 91% recorded Excellent water quality."

The council has reiterated that they remain “fully committed” to ensuring Dún Laoghaire Baths remains a safe and high‑quality bathing area.

A comprehensive Management Plan has been submitted to the EPA, setting out short, medium, and long‑term actions to “improve resilience and reduce the likelihood” of future pollution events.

“We will continue to provide transparent and timely updates to the public, with all test results, notices and explanations of water status clearly displayed at Dún Laoghaire Baths and published online throughout the season,” the council noted.

They said that they remain committed to “protecting public health, enhancing water quality,” and ensuring that the site continues to operate as a designated bathing area, with water quality restored to “sufficient or higher as quickly as possible”.