Bathing Water Profile - (2016)

Bathing Water: Duncannon Bathing Water Code: IESEBWT100_0100_0100 Local Authority: County Council River Basin District: South Eastern Monitoring Point: 272939E, 108050N

1. Profile Details:

Profile Id: BWPR00368 Toilets Available: Yes Year Of Profile: 2016 Car Parking Available: Yes Year Of Identification 1992 Disabled Access: Yes Version Number: 1 First Aid Available: Yes Sensitive Area: Yes Dogs Allowed: Yes Lifesaving Facilities: No

Figure 1: Bathing Water 2. Bathing Water Details:

Map 1: Bathing Water Location & Extent

Bathing Water location and Location; extent: The beach is located at Duncannon village within Harbour at the mouth of the three rivers the Barrow, The Suir and the Nore. Cars are allowed on this beach. The beach is backed by the village at its western end and by a system at its eastern end. The tidal zone is a pNHA and SAC. The sandy beach has a very gradual slope and the tide can extend the beach by as much as 200m. is located in the village and is open during the summer months, with tours and craft shops for visitors.

Duncannon is located on the R737, which continues eastwards to Wexford town The village is also linked to and to Ballyhack by the R733. lies 13km to the south.

Duncannon has a unique character due to its historic buildings, distinctive landmark structures, prominent headlands and coastal location. The main landmarks are: Duncannon Strand, the Fort, the Quays and harbour area, the North Lighthouse and the Church of Church at Blackhill, the two Martello Towers, and The Star of the Sea Roman Catholic Church.

Duncannon provides the normal range of services to cater for a population of approximately 300, and in addition it serves as a centre for tourism.

Extent;

The bathing area is approximately 1.0 km long. The bathing water is approximately 0.2 km2 in area.

Main features of the Bathing Type of Bathing Water Water: A safe peaceful firm- beach. The sand type is firm.

Flora/Fauna, Riparian Zone

The sand extend between 5m and 100m to the rear (north) of the beach. There is no significant vegetation growing in the waters off the beach.

Water Depth

The beach is a relatively gently sloping, sandy beach.

Tidal Range Main features of the Bathing Water:

The beach is Mesotidal with a tidal range of 2 to 4 m.

Land Use

The land use in the area immediately surrounding the bathing water is a SAC and pNHA, urban fabric consisting of Village, private domestic dwellings & holiday accommodation and facilities and comprising enclosed farmland.

Sensitive Area

Duncannon Sandhills: The beach and adjoining dunes are of regional importance. This site is one of a series of sites on the estuary of the which demonstrates a variety of coastal types. The Duncannon Sandhills site comprises Duncannon Strand and the freshwater marsh in the valley to the east in Shanacloon . Wild Sage (Salvia verbenaca), a rare species listed in the Irish Red Data Book is found in the dunes. Hook Head pNHA: The site of conservation interest at Hook Head comprises an area of marine subtidal reefs to the south and east of the Hook Head Peninsula and includes the sea cliffs from Hook Head to Baginbun and Ingard Point. Hook Head itself is composed of Carboniferous limestone overlain by Devonian Old Red Sandstone and is palaeontologically of international importance. The site contains three habitats listed under the EU Habitats Directive, i.e. large shallow inlets and bays, reefs and sea cliffs. In summary, this site is of conservation importance for its subtidal reef and shallow bay communities, and their diversity of species, as well as for the vegetated sea cliffs. These habitats are listed under the EU Habitats Directive. The rocky coastline is also important for breeding Ravens, Choughs and Peregrines. The latter two are listed on Annex I of the EU Birds Directive.

The average daily maximum number of persons on the beach during the bathing season is approximately 450

The season maximum number of persons on the beach during the bathing season is approximately 4500

Activities available at the Activities; Bathing Water: There is a sand sculpting festival which takes place each summer.

Duncannon Military Fort is a star shaped fortress built in 1588. Attractions include a maritime museum, cockleshell art centre, artist studios, café and craft shop.

The beach is also used by a limited number of surfers, windsurfers and canoeists.

Facilities;

There is limited on street parking available in the town. There is on-beach parking available with the beach warden reserving disabled spaces and controlling traffic and parking on the beach. Access by car is available to the waters edge if required. There is a dedicated no-drive zone at the beach. Sand type is solid.

Male, female and disabled toilets available. Opened Bank holiday weekends October to May. All 7 days/week May – October Opening hours 8am - 9pm. Universal key is required to gain access to the accessible toilets. Outdoor shower available.

Life guards are on duty on site during summer months.

There is a children’s playground adjacent to the beach.

Contributing catchment Description of the Contributing Catchment: details: Duncannon Beach is located in the townland of Duncannon (ED Ballyhack).

The beach is situated in the south west of in the South Eastern River Basin District.

Contributing Catchment;

The contributing local catchment of the bathing area is approximately 144km2 in area.

Water Bodies draining to Bathing Area;

Waterford Estuary

Rivers Barrow, Nore and Suir.

4 number Surface water pipes.

Topography; Contributing catchment details:

The catchment consists of gently sloping hills and valleys.

Land Use;

Duncannon has a limited range of commercial and retail services, which include a post office, two local shops, two public houses, an art studio, one restaurant and a Hotel. Duncannon also has a caravan park at Ballystraw which has a shop attached. Payphone facilities are also available in the village. There is little industry or manufacturing in Duncannon. There are a number of craft workers, some of which locate in Duncannon Fort.

The fishing industry, which is located at the Quays, is of importance both to the economy of Duncannon and to the character that it gives the village.

Duncannon is one of the settlement centres identified by the Marine Institute for the development of marine leisure facilities in the Waterford Estuary with particular regard to the development of the local rural economy.

A foul sewer network services the existing village with no treatment prior to discharge to the Barrow estuary. Irish Water has given the commitment that it will provide treatment for this discharge by 2021.

The countryside around the Duncannon area is enclosed farmland.

Soils, Subsoils & Bedrock;

The aquifer is Good Poorly Productive fissured bedrock.

The beach area:

Soil type; Aeolian Undifferentiated and Beach and

Subsoil type; Brown Sands

Bedrock; Grey to black mudstones with siltstones.

General Catchment Area:

Soil type; Derived from mainly acidic parent materials

Subsoil type; Shale till (Lower Palaeozoic)

Bedrock; Grey to black mudstones with siltstones in the south and Shale, siltstone, sandstone,

minor tuffs in the north.

Formal designations;

Duncannon Beach has held the Blue Flag Award in the past but does not hold any awards currently.

Local Protected Areas

River Barrow And SAC

Bannow bay SAC

Hook Head SAC

Duncannon Sand Hills pNHA

Population Centres;

The year round population of the area cantered on Duncannon Village is approximately 303 persons. During the summer months this is estimated to rise close to 750 when the caravan parks and holiday homes are fully occupied (CSO 2002).

Rainfall;

Duncannon G.S. (Closest weather station)

Grid Ref. 274440W 107440N - Distance from beach: 1.5 km - Mean annual rainfall: 880 mm - Month with highest mean: January, 96 mm - Month with lowest mean: July, 48 mm

Johnstown Castle:

Grid Ref. 302420W 116621N - Distance from beach: 29.5 km - Mean annual rainfall: 1008mm - Month with highest mean: November & December, 110mm - Month with lowest mean: July, 57mm Monitoring point details: The grid reference for the nominal bathing water monitoring point is 321690W 160340N.

The precise location of the bathing water monitoring point can vary depending on tides & weather influences but is always within the area patrolled by the Lifeguards. This area is marked by the Lifeguards flags.

Reason for selection of the The location of the bathing water monitoring point is the location where most bathers are expected to use monitoring point: the bathing water.

The bathing water monitoring point location chosen is always within the area patrolled by the lifeguards. This area can vary somewhat on this beach depending on tidal & weather influences and is marked by the lifeguard’s flags.

Water quality assessment: Bathing Water Quality Results for the 2003 to 2009 Bathing Seasons

The bathing water quality monitoring carried out at the Beach at Duncannon since 2003, by , has shown water quality status as Good four times, Sufficient two times and Poor twice.

Bathing Water Quality Results for the 2009 to 2014 Bathing Seasons

For the 2009 to 2014 bathing seasons, the beach at Duncannon achieved Sufficient water quality status on four occasions and Poor water quality status on two occasions according to the Bathing Water Regulations 2008 (S.I. 79 of 2008).

Bathing Water Quality 2015

As was the case in 2015, it is expected that the EPA report to be issued in April 2016, “The Quality of Bathing Water in Ireland - An Overview for the Year 2015”, will classify Duncannon Beach as “Poor”. A Plan has been prepared to address the legislative requirements to be undertaken following the classification of the bathing water at Duncannon Beach as “Poor” and to manage the approach to be undertaken to improve the “Poor” bathing water quality. This Plan, a revision of the 2015 Plan, will be implemented prior to the start of the 2016 bathing season. 3. Identified Pressures:

Map 2: Bathing Water Catchment

3.1 Potential pressures in the catchment assessed as posing no risk:

Description: Diffuse Source; Dog fouling is a source of bacteria that can lead to pollution at beaches. Source: Dog Fouling Type: Domestic animals on beach Short Term Pressure: No

Description: Diffuse Source; Horse fouling is a source of bacteria that can lead to pollution at beaches. Source: Horse Fouling Type: Domestic animals on beach Short Term Pressure: No

3.2 Potential pressures in the catchment assessed as posing risk:

Description: There are 4 surface water pipes outfalling onto the identified bathing area and 2 outfalling adjacent to it. Source: Surface water pipes outfalling onto the identified bathing area and 2 outfalling adjacent to it. Type: Sewer Networks Short Term Pressure: Yes Nature: Low Risk Frequency: Weather Dependent Duration: < 72 hours Risk Assessment The risk assessment methodology is as recommended in the EPA Guidance for Development of Methodology: Bathing Water Profiles.

Risk Assessment The discharges are surface water discharges directly onto the beach. In 2010 prior to the Results: commencement of the bathing water season, and on an on-going basis since then, the network was examined for cross connections. No significant cross connections were identified however these discharges have the potential to be a source of low volume, low level pollution during the season. Details: The risk of short term pollution is not fully known but is considered low. Management There are permanent signs at the beach entry points: “WARNING: RIVERS STREAMS & POOLS Measures: WATER QUALITY NOT SUITABLE FOR BATHING OR PADDLING”.

Wexford County Council has a Protocol, developed by University College in 2013, for predicting poor water at Duncannon beach following heavy rain. This Protocol together with other predictive meteorological data will be implemented during the course of the Bathing Season.

Wexford Council has investigated the surface water outfall pipes . The investigation looked at the outfall pipes at point of discharge to the estuary and within the village and any issues identified such as cross connections were corrected. Prior to the commencement of the Bathing Season, the network will again be examined for cross connections and if any are identified they will be corrected. Wexford Council will monitor water quality from these pipes where there is any flow. This will consist of a sample being taken at the same date as the bathing water calendar sample. This measure will be implemented during the course of the Bathing Season.

Should an incident occur, Wexford Council will seek advice from the HSE and all measures recommended and agreed will be implemented. This may include the erection of an "Advice Against Bathing Notice" or a "Bathing Prohibition Notice" at the beach. The beach Life Guards may also fly the swimming not safe Red Flags at the beach to advise bathers that a "Notice" is in force. All notices will be posted on the Wexford Council website. The Council ‘Map Alert’ system will be used to inform people in the local area and a press statement will be issued to local radio. Notices will also be posted on the SPLASH website. Additional bathing water samples will be taken and analysed to monitor the duration and extent of the incident and to confirm the end of the incident. Wexford Council will investigate to find the cause of the incident and implement all recommended measures to minimise the risk of further incidents.

Description: Duncannon does not have a waste water treatment plant. The Agglomeration comprises of a Total P.E. of 1172, composing of the 3 private sites (a caravan park and two holiday home developments) with combined P.E. of 425 and the remaining portion of the agglomeration comprising of 749 P.E. under goes no form of treatment prior to discharge, therefore at present 63.9 % of agglomeration loading under goes no treatment and 36.1% under goes some form of treatment. All discharges from the agglomeration (3 private plants plus untreated sections) discharge normally via Primary Discharge Point SW1, with discharge occurring from Secondary discharge point SW 2 in storm conditions. Both discharge points SW1 and SW 2 are located in Duncannon Harbour and discharge to lower Waterford Estuary. Source: Duncannon Waste Water Type: Sewer Networks Short Term Pressure: Yes Nature: Moderate Risk Frequency: Weather dependent Duration: < 72 hours Risk Assessment The risk assessment methodology is as recommended in the EPA Guidance for Development of Methodology: Bathing Water Profiles

Risk Assessment The discharges are considered to be via small population, short outfall with no treatment discharge Results: which gives a Microbial Pollution Potential of Moderate. The 95 percentiles monitoring result for Intestinal Enterococci is 207 which equates to a Water Quality Impact grade C. Therefore the Microbial Pollution Risk Assessment is estimated as Moderate. This result is consistent with the water quality results obtained at Duncannon Beach during all recent water quality monitoring since 2003. Details: The details are as described in the Risk Assessment Results above, i.e. The discharges are considered to be via small population, short outfall with no treatment discharge which gives a Microbial Pollution Potential of Moderate. The 95 percentiles monitoring result for Intestinal Enterococci is 263 which equates to a Water Quality Impact grade C. Therefore the Microbial Pollution Risk Assessment is estimated as Moderate. This result is consistent with the water quality results obtained at Duncannon Beach during all recent water quality monitoring since 2003. Management A new WWTP will not be in place at Duncannon for the 2016 bathing season. Irish Water has given Measures: the commitment that it will provide treatment for discharges from this agglomeration by 2021.

Wexford County Council will monitor water quality in the vicinity of the vertical outfall pipe at the end of the main pier in Duncannon harbour.

Should an incident occur at the bathing area, Wexford County Council will discuss the situation with the HSE and all measures recommended and agreed will be implemented. This may include the erection of an "Advice Against Bathing Notice" or a "Warning No Swim Notice" at the beach. The beach Life Guards may also fly the swimming not safe Red Flags at the beach to advise bathers that a "Notice" is in force. All notices will be posted on the Wexford County Council website. The Council ‘Map Alert’ system will be used to inform people in the local area and a press statement will be issued to local radio. Notices will also be posted on the SPLASH website. Additional bathing water samples will be taken and analaysed monitor the duration and extent of the incident and to confirm the end of the incident. Wexford Council will take carry out investigations to ascertain the cause of the incident and implement all recommended measures to minimise the risk of further incidents.

Description: Waterford estuary including the Barrow, Nore and Suir Rivers. Source: Waterford estuary including the Barrow, Nore and Suir Rivers. Type: Rivers, ditches, canals, groundwaters Short Term Pressure: Yes Nature: Moderate Risk Frequency: Weather Dependent Duration: < 72 hours Risk Assessment The risk assessment methodology is as recommended in the EPA Guidance for Development of Methodology: Bathing Water Profiles

Risk Assessment The Microbial Pollution Potential for this pressure may not be precisely assessed using this Results: methodology, however, in the absence of a more detailed model, we have proceeded as follows.

The Microbial Pollution Risk Potential is estimated as Moderate based on large population discharging to a large river with primary treatment. The 95 percentiles monitoring result for Intestinal Enterococci is 207 which equates to a Water Quality Impact grade C. Therefore the Microbial Pollution Risk Assessment is estimated as Moderate.

This result is consistent with the water quality results obtained at Duncannon Beach during all recent water quality monitoring since 2003.

Details: The risk of short term pollution is not fully known, however it appears that during and after periods of heavy rain, bathing water quality at the identified bathing area can deteriorate. This is considered to be mainly related to agricultural runoff in the catchment following periods of land spreading and heavy rainfall. Management Wexford County Council has a Protocol, developed by University College Dublin in 2013, for Measures: predicting poor water at Duncannon beach following heavy rain. This Protocol together with other predictive meteorological data will be implemented during the course of the Bathing Season.

Wexford Council will monitor water quality from the car ferry during the Bathing Season. This will consist of a sample being taken at the same date as the calendar bathing water sample. This measure will be implemented during the course of the Bathing Season.

Should an incident occur, Wexford County Council will discuss the situation with the HSE and all measures recommended and agreed will be implemented. This may include the erection of an "Advice Against Bathing Notice" or a "Warning No Swim Notice" at the beach. The beach Life Guards may also fly the swimming not safe Red Flags at the beach to advise bathers that a "Notice" is in force. All notices will be posted on the Wexford County Council website. The Council ‘Map Alert’ system will be used to inform people in the local area and a press statement will be issued to local radio. Notices will also be posted on the SPLASH website. Additional bathing water samples will be taken and analaysed monitor the duration and extent of the incident and to confirm the end of the incident. Wexford County Council will take carry out investigations to ascertain the cause of the incident and implement all recommended measures to minimise the risk of further incidents.

Description: Two streams discharging to the east of the identified bathing area. The smaller of the two streams discharges approximately 300m east of the nearest point of the identified bathing area and the larger stream approximately 500m east of the nearest point of the identified bathing area. Source: Two streams discharging to the east of the identified bathing area. Type: Rivers, ditches, canals, groundwaters Short Term Pressure: Yes Nature: Moderate Risk Frequency: Weather Dependent Duration: < 72 hours Risk Assessment The risk assessment methodology is as recommended in the EPA Guidance for Development of Methodology: Bathing Water Profiles

Risk Assessment The streams are outside the identified bathing area. The populations in the catchments are small Results: and the stream flows are small which gives a Microbial Pollution Potential estimated at High when the level of treatment is taken as primary. The 95 percentiles monitoring result for Intestinal Enterococci is 207 which equates to a Water Quality Impact grade C. Therefore the Microbial Pollution Risk Assessment is estimated as High. This result is consistent with the water quality results obtained at Duncannon Beach during all recent water quality monitoring since 2003. Details: The risk of short term pollution is not fully known, however it appears that during and after periods of heavy rain, bathing water quality at the identified bathing area can deteriorate. This is considered to be mainly related to agricultural runoff in the catchment following periods of land spreading and heavy rainfall. Management Wexford County Council has a Protocol, developed by University College Dublin in 2013, for Measures: predicting poor water at Duncannon beach following heavy rain. This Protocol together with other predictive meteorological data will be implemented during the course of the Bathing Season.

Wexford Council will also monitor water quality from the two streams as they discharge onto the beach during the Bathing Season. This will consist of a sample being taken at the same date as the calendar bathing water sample.

Wexford Council will continue the microbiological survey of the streams in the area to ascertain the extent and source of any bacteriological contamination. This investigation is looking at the streams at point of discharge to the estuary and upstream of the village. Action will be taken to remedy any issues identified.

There are permanent signs at the entry points to the beach and at the streams stating: “WARNING: RIVERS STREAMS & POOLS WATER QUALITY NOT SUITABLE FOR BATHING OR PADDLING”.

Should an incident occur, Wexford Council will discuss the situation with the HSE and all measures recommended and agreed will be implemented. This may include the erection of an "Advice Against Bathing Notice" or a "Warning No Swim Notice" at the beach. The beach Life Guards may also fly the swimming not safe Red Flags at the beach to advise bathers that a "Notice" is in force. All notices will be posted on the Wexford County Council website. The Council ‘Map Alert’ system will be used to inform people in the local area and a press statement will be issued to local radio. Notices will also be posted on the SPLASH website. Additional bathing water samples will be taken and analysed monitor the duration and extent of the incident and to confirm the end of the incident. Wexford Council will carry out investigations to ascertain the cause of the incident and implement all recommended measures to minimise the risk of further incidents.

3.3 Other Risks:

Assessment of the potential for proliferation Ongoing monitoring of the beach indicates that there is no significant potential for proliferation of of cyanobacteria: Cyanobacteria on this beach.

Proposed management measures for If an outbreak were detected then Wexford County Council would determine the concentration cyanobacteria: and extent of the proliferation, monitor the bathing area and react accordingly.

Assessment of the potential for proliferation Ongoing monitoring of the beach indicates that there is no significant potential for proliferation of of macroalgae: Macroalgae on this beach.

Proposed management measures for If an outbreak were detected then Wexford County Council would determine the concentration macroalgae: and extent of the proliferation, monitor the bathing area and react accordingly. Assessment of the potential for proliferation There have been approximately 5 reports of proliferations of Marine Phytoplankton over the last of marine phytoplankton: ten years or so. Following a report of a slick and some foaming in the the sea waters in the area in May 2010 and June 2013 samples were taken for analysis. The samples contained a bloom of Phaeocystis globosa/pouchettii at moderate levels. This species is known to discolour sea water and result in foaming. It is also very typical of the early summer phytoplankton flora in coastal regions across Europe. A unique attribute of Phaeocystis is its ability to form a floating colony with hundreds of cells embedded in a polysaccharide gel marix that can multiply massively during blooms. This can in some cases result in a slick like appearance on the surface of the water and is also responsible for the production of foaming.

There are no reports of adverse affects other than aesthetic regarding impact on bathing waters. This is mainly due to the production in some cases of excessive foam, murky water and sometimes the production of noxious odours when dense blooms are breaking down. The blooms usually disappear within a week or so in Irish waters and this breakdown is as sudden as their appearance.

Proposed management measures for marine If an outbreak were detected then Wexford County Council would determine the concentration phytoplankton: and extent of the proliferation, monitor the bathing area and react accordingly.

Additional Information: None

4 Bathing Water Status From Previous Sampling Years:

2012 2013 2014 2015 Duncannon Sufficient Sufficient Poor Quality Poor Quality Quality Quality

5 Contact Details:

Contact: Wexford County Council Email: [email protected] Address: Environment Department, Bathing Water, Carricklawn, Wexford Phone: 053 9196313