Galway City Council has invited swimmers to get in touch so that they can identify new areas which could be classified as bathing waters.
Under European and Irish law, local authorities must identify bathing waters each year so they can be monitored, ensuring they meet water quality standards.
In some cases, the official bathing areas are also those where local authorities provide lifeguards in the summer months.
These laws also require that the local authority prepares detailed profiles for each of the identified bathing water sites, and areas in the surface water’s catchment area that could be a source of pollution.
Those who wish to propose their favourite beach, lake or river as a new bathing water site, or comment on an existing site, can email the Recreation & Amenity Department at parks@galwaycity.ie.
The city council has asked people to include ‘Bathing Water’ in the subject line, and submissions will also be accepted via post. These should be addressed to Recreation & Amenity Department, Galway City Council, College Rd, Galway.
Closing date for submissions to Galway City Council is 28 September 2023.
