DAERA has launched a public consultation on proposals to enhance
the quality and management of Northern Ireland's bathing waters.
The review looks at the existing policy and legislative framework
governing bathing waters in Northern Ireland, including how sites
are identified, monitored, and managed.
There are currently 33 identified bathing waters in Northern
Ireland. The bathing season currently runs from 1 June to 15
September and the Department is responsible for monitoring and
making sure that these waters are of high enough quality to bathe
in.
Bathing water at these sites is monitored weekly during bathing
season and categorised as excellent, good, satisfactory or
temporary advice is issued against bathing. These results can be
found on the NI Bathing Water Quality
Dashboard.
A review of the Bathing Waters Monitoring Programme is necessary
to address evolving patterns in public recreational activities.
This includes year-round swimming, the growing popularity of
outdoor swimming, variations in usage across different locations
and updated guidance from health professionals.
The review takes account of evidence, stakeholder engagement, and
the findings of the Office for Environmental Protection's (OEP)
2024 report on the implementation of Bathing Water Regulations
and considers whether current policies and regulations remain
sufficient.
It seeks views on proposals on:
- sharing information with bathing water users
- the length and flexibility of the bathing season
- a risk-based approach to monitoring
- how bathing waters are identified
- monitoring new candidate sites
- removing automatic loss of bathing water status
- making sure monitoring matches where people swim
- inviting nominations for new sites
Launching the consultation, Minister Muir said: “Northern
Ireland's bathing waters are among our most precious natural
assets. They provide recreational opportunities, support local
economies and foster a vital connection between our communities
and the environment.
“I was delighted to expand the programme last year, with seven
new locations identified at Brompton Bay, Cushendall, Donaghadee,
Drain's Bay, Portmuck, Rea's Wood and Warrenpoint.
“I am now pleased to present this Bathing Waters Policy Review
for Northern Ireland. This is an opportunity to consider how the
bathing water programme should continue to evolve.
“This review marks an important step in our commitment to
safeguarding public health, improving water quality, and
protecting our natural environment. It fulfils commitments in
both the Environmental Improvement Programme and the third cycle
River Basin Management Plan.
“I encourage stakeholders and the public to engage fully with
this consultation and help shape a resilient, sustainable future
for Northern Ireland's bathing waters.”
How to Respond:
Consultation documents and online questionnaires are available on
the DAERA website at: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/consultations/consultation-bathing-waters-policy-review-northern-ireland.
The consultation will run for 12 weeks from Friday 29 May 2026
and will close at 5pm on Friday 21 August 2026.
Notes to editors:
- Bathing waters are monitored under the Quality of Bathing
Water Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2008 (as amended). DAERA
tests water quality against strict standards to:
- Protect public health
- Maintain clean and safe waters
- Help swimmers make informed choices
- Water quality updates are published weekly during the bathing
season via colour-coded posters displayed at bathing sites,
council offices, and visitor information points. In addition, the
Bathing Water Quality Dashboard on the DAERA website provides an
interactive map, search and filter tools, weekly sampling results
and links to detailed Bathing Water Profiles to help the public
make informed decisions.
