DAERA seeks views on proposals to enhance monitoring of bathing waters
Date published:
DAERA has launched a public consultation on proposals to enhance the quality and management of Northern Ireland’s bathing waters.
The review looks at the existing policy and legislative framework governing bathing waters in Northern Ireland, including how sites are identified, monitored, and managed.
There are currently 33 identified bathing waters in Northern Ireland. The bathing season currently runs from 1 June to 15 September and the Department is responsible for monitoring and making sure that these waters are of high enough quality to bathe in.
Bathing water at these sites is monitored weekly during bathing season and categorised as excellent, good, satisfactory or temporary advice is issued against bathing. These results can be found on the NI Bathing Water Quality Dashboard.
A review of the Bathing Waters Monitoring Programme is necessary to address evolving patterns in public recreational activities. This includes year-round swimming, the growing popularity of outdoor swimming, variations in usage across different locations and updated guidance from health professionals.
The review takes account of evidence, stakeholder engagement, and the findings of the Office for Environmental Protection’s (OEP) 2024 report on the implementation of Bathing Water Regulations and considers whether current policies and regulations remain sufficient.
It seeks views on proposals on:
- sharing information with bathing water users
- the length and flexibility of the bathing season
- a risk-based approach to monitoring
- how bathing waters are identified
- monitoring new candidate sites
- removing automatic loss of bathing water status
- making sure monitoring matches where people swim
- inviting nominations for new sites
Launching the consultation, Minister Muir said: “Northern Ireland’s bathing waters are among our most precious natural assets. They provide recreational opportunities, support local economies and foster a vital connection between our communities and the environment.
“I was delighted to expand the programme last year, with seven new locations identified at Brompton Bay, Cushendall, Donaghadee, Drain’s Bay, Portmuck, Rea’s Wood and Warrenpoint.
“I am now pleased to present this Bathing Waters Policy Review for Northern Ireland. This is an opportunity to consider how the bathing water programme should continue to evolve.
“This review marks an important step in our commitment to safeguarding public health, improving water quality, and protecting our natural environment. It fulfils commitments in both the Environmental Improvement Programme and the third cycle River Basin Management Plan.
“I encourage stakeholders and the public to engage fully with this consultation and help shape a resilient, sustainable future for Northern Ireland’s bathing waters.”
How to Respond:
Consultation documents and online questionnaires.
The consultation will run for 12 weeks from Friday 29 May 2026 and will close at 5pm on Friday 21 August 2026.
Notes to editors:
- Bathing waters are monitored under the Quality of Bathing Water Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2008 (as amended). DAERA tests water quality against strict standards to:
- Protect public health
- Maintain clean and safe waters
- Help swimmers make informed choices
- Water quality updates are published weekly during the bathing season via colour-coded posters displayed at bathing sites, council offices, and visitor information points. In addition, the Bathing Water Quality Dashboard on the DAERA website provides an interactive map, search and filter tools, weekly sampling results and links to detailed Bathing Water Profiles to help the public make informed decisions.
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- All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office: pressoffice.group@daera-ni.gov.uk or telephone: 028 9016 3460.
- The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours’ service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.