Louth County Council meets with Dundalk councillors over Blackrock Beach concerns

Officials from Louth County Council met with elected members of Dundalk Municipal District on Thursday to discuss recent environmental concerns raised about Blackrock Beach.

The meeting addressed several key issues, including the build-up of seaweed, the designation of bathing areas and water quality.

Council officials shared updates from consultations with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Marine Institute. Both agencies judged that the recent seaweed deposits at Blackrock and the Priest’s Beach are naturally occurring and part of a seasonal pattern of macro algae accumulation.

It was also clarified that, under the Bathing Water Quality Regulations 2008 and the 2024 Amendment, Blackrock Beach is not currently a designated bathing water. As such, water quality testing is not carried out by Louth County Council at this location.

For those wishing to swim, Louth County Council says it recommends using one of the officially designated bathing water sites in the area, where water quality is regularly monitored to ensure public safety and lifeguards are in attendance.

Water quality data for nearby areas such as Inner Dundalk Bay and Castletown Estuary is available to the public via the EPA’s Catchments.ie website. Inner Dundalk Bay is classified as a transitional waterbody with a ‘Moderate’ status under the Water Framework Directive.

Attendees were reminded of an annual opportunity for the public to nominate a new designated bathing water site, in accordance with EPA guidelines and under the Bathing Waters Regulations. 

Observations are invited from the public, and more information can be found in the Environment section of the Louth County Council website. Submissions will be accepted up until 26th September.

Concerns about sewage overflows and water pollution were also raised during the meeting. The EPA is responsible for monitoring water quality and regulating emissions from wastewater treatment plants. It also has the authority to enforce environmental regulations and ensure that wastewater discharges do not cause significant harm to the environment. 

Louth County Council officials agreed to write to the EPA to request an urgent update on the water quality, particularly in the area around Blackrock.

The possibility of removing seaweed from the beach was discussed but ultimately ruled out. Dundalk Bay is a Special Protection Area (SPA) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). These designations are part of the European Union's Natura 2000 network, aimed at protecting the most seriously threatened habitats and species across Europe.

Cllr Seán Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, added: “Blackrock Beach is one of the most popular and well-loved spots in County Louth, especially during the summer. That’s why it was so important for councillors and officials to come together and listen to the concerns being raised. We want to reassure the public that their voices matter and by working together, we can help protect and improve this special place for everyone to enjoy.”

Cllr Robert Nash, Cathaoirleach of Dundalk Municipal District, said: “Given the strong public concern around Blackrock Beach in recent weeks, I felt it was essential that we brought everyone to the table. I requested a meeting with senior council officials and Dundalk MD councillors, and I’m glad that it took place. It was a constructive discussion where a range of views were shared, and we’ll continue to keep the public informed as we move forward.”

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David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, said: “We understand the concerns of residents and visitors regarding the recent changes at Blackrock Beach. While the seaweed and smell may be unsightly and unpleasant, it is a natural occurrence and part of the coastal ecosystem. We are committed to working with the EPA and other agencies to ensure the safety and environmental health of our coastline, and we would strongly encourage members of the public to engage in the process to nominate appropriate bathing water areas.”

Louth County Council says it remains committed to meeting its obligations to protect the environment and the safety of all residents and will continue to monitor the situation at Blackrock Beach and communicate with the EPA and other relevant authorities to address any issues that arise.