The Department of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has completed a review of bathing waters in Northern Ireland.
The review which was undertaken over 2022 and 2023 sought nominations for new identified bathing waters to add to the current list of 26 and views on the length of the current bathing season which runs from 01 June until 15 September annually.
The review has concluded that seven new waters have met the preliminary criteria for identification and the Department is liaising with councils acting as Bathing Water Operators in having the new sites identified in regulation.
The seven sites are;
- Brompton Bay, Bangor
- Cushendall
- Donaghadee
- Drain’s Bay
- Portmuck
- Warrenpoint, Sandy Bottom
- Rea’s Wood, Antrim, Lough Neagh
The review also revealed a public appetite for the bathing season to be extended year round, and the Department will explore with stakeholders the implications of such an extension.
The report below outlines the findings of the 2022/23 Bathing Water review, and the action the Department is taking to implement those findings.
2022/23 Bathing Waters Review Report