‘People from all over Dublin, as well as residents associations, swimming clubs, and environmental activists, have been crying out for a stronger vision for tackling pollution and dereliction along our coast’
Rachel Cunningham
The leader of the Labour party has called for a stronger legal framework for the protection of users of Dublin Bay.
Speaking in a Dáil debate on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Water Quality Report 2022, Ivana Bacik, said that water quality is an important public health issue.
“Particularly since the Covid-19 pandemic, so many people across Dublin have begun to use Dublin Bay for their enjoyment; swimming, sailing, paddling and walking the coast year-round,” said Ms Bacik.
“The EPA was clear: Uisce Éireann needs to improve the operation, management and maintenance of wastewater treatment plants and networks which impact on bathing waters.
“I have seen alarming photographs of sanitary towels and other materials strewn on Sandymount Strand, due to poor water management.
“Moreover, we are all familiar with the no swim notices which are circulated each time there is heavy rainfall because the seawater has become unsafe for bathers. That is no way for us to treat the bay.”
The Labour leader criticised the Minister for Housing for the delay in rolling out year-round water quality testing, which the government committed to last October.
“In December, the Dáil debated the Dublin Bay Bill 2021, which I was proud to introduce. If passed, it would establish a statutory Dublin Bay authority charged with preserving the distinctive character of Dublin Bay and protecting its ecology as a coastal resource.
“It would improve the amenity of the Bay for sea swimmers, sailors, walkers, and all of those who want to use the Bay area,” she stated.
Under the bill, the authority would have a mandate to propose and promote policies and priorities for the protection and enhancement of the environment of Dublin Bay and of the natural habitats and wildlife in and around the bay.
“It is envisaged that membership of the authority will come from elected members of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly and others with a special expertise or interest in the future protection of the bay.
“That co-ordination and that democratic accountability is what we see as hugely important in the establishment of this statutory authority. There is already an authority in place. However, it is toothless due to its non-statutory composition.
“I have been, frankly, staggered at the reaction to the bill I proposed. People from all over Dublin, as well as residents associations, swimming clubs, and environmental activists, have been crying out for a stronger vision for tackling pollution and dereliction along our coast.
“During the debate on the Bill last year, the government chose not to oppose this bill and indicated that it would work with me to see it passed.
“I am calling on Minister O’Brien to make good on his commitment and to work with me to see it passed before the end of this Dáil term,” concluded Ms Bacik.
Pull quote: ” People from all over Dublin, as well as residents associations, swimming clubs, and environmental activists, have been crying out for a stronger vision for tackling pollution and dereliction along our coast.”
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