Public invited to help shape Mayo’s official bathing water designations
Mayo County Council launches consultation seeking public views on beaches, lakes and rivers used for swimming
Mayo County Council is inviting members of the public to have their say on the identification of bathing waters across the county as part of a new public consultation process.
Under European and Irish legislation, local authorities are required to identify official bathing waters each year to ensure they can be monitored for safety, water quality and levels of use.
The council is now seeking feedback from swimmers and local communities on whether existing bathing water designations should be maintained and whether additional locations should be considered for official designation.
The designation of bathing waters allows authorities to carry out regular monitoring to ensure sites meet strict microbiological water quality standards. In many cases, these designated locations are also prioritised for seasonal services such as lifeguard provision during the summer months.
As part of the process, Mayo County Council prepares detailed bathing water profiles for each designated site. These profiles outline information about the bathing area and its surrounding catchment, identify potential sources of pollution, assess environmental risks, and set out actions that would be taken if pollution incidents occur.
The council is encouraging regular swimmers to consider several factors when making submissions, including how frequently a location is used for swimming, the number of people who use it, the facilities available at the site, accessibility, and any safety concerns.
Residents who wish to propose a new bathing water site or provide feedback on an existing designated location can contact the Environment Office at Mayo County Council by telephone on 094 906 4000 or by email at [email protected].
The closing date for submissions is September 25, 2026.
Mayo County Council said public participation is an important part of the process and will help ensure that popular swimming locations throughout the county are appropriately recognised, monitored and managed.