Officials have declared Sandymount Strand a no-swim zone for the entire season over water fears. This is disappointing news indeed as many people like to take a dip during the summer months (especially with early predictions of a hot summer to come when the mercury is set to rise), however the beach has failed water-quality tests. Dublin City Council has closed the popular beach to swimmers for the duration of the summer as the water could cause illness. Sewage smells, effluent, algae and dog poo were among the culprits named. Green Party Councillor Hazel Chu reacted by saying: “We should be aiming to control the water pollution. This is something we’ve been long saying to Irish Water and to others . . . It’s ridiculous because we’ve a great amenity there but we’re not allowed to swim in it.” Let’s hope this is looked into as a matter of urgency.
