And how does a bathing area win ‘beach’ status?

A BATHING area must satisfy a list of criteria in order to be classified as a beach by Ireland’s Environmental Protection Agency.

First, it must be somewhere that has historically been used for bathing, and where a large number of bathers would be expected.

There must, in most cases, be adequate parking and facilities such as toilets. Then, each year local authorities are required to identify to the EPA all bathing waters that they wish to be formally identified to the EU.

Any newly identified areas require the provision of supporting information, including a water profile and an assessment of pollution risks. For the purposes of assessing water quality, the bathing season in Ireland runs from June 1 to September 15. The minimum required water monitoring frequency is monthly.

The public can also make representations to councils for the identification of new bathing areas.