Bathing Water Profile - Strand (2013)

Bathing Water: Dollymount Strand Bathing Water Code: IEEABWC090_0000_0400 Local Authority: City Council River Basin District: Eastern Monitoring Point: 323291E, 236691N

1. Profile Details:

Profile Id: BWPR00138 Toilets Available: Yes Year Of Profile: 2013 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: Yes

Figure 1: Bathing Water 2. Bathing Water Details:

Map 1: Bathing Water Location & Extent

Bathing Water location and Dollymount Beach is situated on the North which is a low-lying dune covered sand spit, nearly extent: 4.85km long and 0.70km wide at its widest point. It runs parallel to the coast between Clontarf and Sutton in the northern half of . On the South North Bull island is bounded by the and on the North it is separated from head by Sutton Creek. A series of dun ridges make up the back bone of the island. On the seaward side, these are delimited by Dollymount strand and by a salt marsh and lagoon on the leeward side.

The Blue flag bathing area on Dollymount is positioned and demarcated on the southern side of the Causway on the strand.The full bathing area runs from the north Bull wall to the northern tip of the Island.

Main features of the Bathing Type of Bathing Water Water: North Bull Island is a coastal sand spit located in Dublin Bay. It is one of the finest sand dune systems in Ireland and is internationally important in terms of its conservation value. There are high quality examples of several rare and threatened coastal habitats present on the island. It has a wealth of biodiversity, which includes several habitats and species listed in Annexes I and II and the EU , the use of the site by national and internationally important numbers of wintering waders and wildfowl and the presence of several rare plants listed on the Flora Protection Order (S.I. No. 94 of 1999) and in the Red Data Book (Curtis & McGough 1988).

Flora/Fauna, Riparian Zone

North Bull island is managed as a public park by DCC, the Island has several notable ecological and geomorphological features. The site is unique due to its relatively young age just over 200 years) when compared to other coastal sites, and that the island is still growing. Young accreting sand­ dunes systems are very rare in Ireland. Both these factors positively influence the conservation status and diversity of some of the habitats present such as embryonic dunes and dune slacks. The_dune slacks are at an early stage in their development and consequently are quite diverse. Several rare bryophyte species such as Petalwort favour the conditions found in the early phases of dune succession. This island also contains intact natural successional stages between sand dune and saltmarsh habitats, which are rare in Ireland.

Water Depth

Tidal Range

Overall, the gross tidal movement in Dublin Bay is clockwise. However, the localised movements are complex. Around North Bull Island the flow is altered due to interference from the Bull Wall, the Tolka River and Sutton Creek. Generally, tidal flow on Dollymount Strand is longshore to the north-east, Main features of the Bathing Water:

although on the ebb tide the water is caught up in a fluvial 'jet' which emanates from between the Bull Wall and South Wall. The so-called 'lagoons' landward of North Bull Island are connected to two different channels: the southern area fills and empties beneath Bull Bridge, while water in the northern area is channelled in and out through Sutton Creek (Harris, 1977).

Land Use

The two main land-uses on the island are nature conservation and amenity use. The two golf courses on the island are mainly used for amenity purposes (and included within the SPA boundary) while the rest of the terrestrial, intertidal and sub-tidal sections of the island are used or managed for a combination of amenity and nature conservation uses.

Active nature conservation management currently includes activities such as using Ectocarpus detritus to prevent dune erosion, vehicle management on Dollymount Strand and removing invasive Sea Buckthorn (these activities are described in more detail in subsequent sections.) Previous nature conservation management included controlling Common Cordgrass and planting Marram-grass in eroded dune areas.

Sensitive Area

Currently the island holds the following designations:

Bird Sanctuary ( Wildbird acquisition 1955),

Nature Reserve (Wildlife Act 1976).

Special Protection Area( EEC directive 79/409 and EU habitats Directive 92/43).

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve 1081,

Ramsar Wetland (International convention on Wetlands).

Special Amenity Area 1994,

Special Area of Conservation.

Visitor Numbers: Numbers of beach users have reached peaks of 8000-10000 in the past (Environmental Research Unit 1992a North Bull Island is subject to heavy recreational pressure at times due to its proximity to the centre of Dublin. It is, in any case, an extremely attractive site, with a wide beach along its full length, consisting to a large degree of fine-grained sand. Dollymount Strand is a ‘Blue Flag’ beach and is popular with bathers and beach-lovers, especially on sunny bank holiday weekends).

Max. number of visitor during a day in high season:

Approx number of visitor during the bathing season: 10000

Activities available at the Walking, kite-flying and water sports are among the regular activities at the site. Daily numbers of walkers Bathing Water: were estimated to be 150 while numbers participating in canoeing and rowing were 30-40 per day. Several football teams train at North Bull Island. There are several yachting or water-sports clubs located around the site including the Sea Scouts that are located on the site. Dog­ walkers frequently use paths in the dunes and around the beach. Wind-powered activities such as kite-surfing have increased in popularity in recent times. The site is also used by the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (re-floating beached whales) and also for water safety training. The high nature conservation value of the site also attracts nature-lovers including bird-watchers. Several nature conservation groups such as Birdwatch Ireland, Irish Wildlife Trust and Dublin Naturalist's Field Club regularly run field-trips to the island. Bait digging is a common activity, especially at the northern and southern ends of the site, in Sutton Creek and near the Wooden Bridge. More recently, individuals and small groups have collected shellfish including Mussels( Mytilus edulis) from the North Bull Wall. Dollymount Strand is used for angling as is the North Bull Wall.

The island is frequently used for educational and research purposes and there is an interpretative Centre located near the causeway. This centre attracts school groups and other groups for talks on the island. The Interpretative Centre is a ‘Discover Primary Science’ field centre. Third-level colleges frequently have field-trips to the site and there have been many undergraduate and post-graduate studies on various aspects of the island.

Contributing catchment North Bull Island is confined between the North Bull Wall of Dublin Bay and outlet of Sutton Creek. details: Northerly growth of the island has up until now been prevented by the eroding nature of Sutton Creek as it enters the sea, thus stopping it from coalescing with the main land. The Islands Contributing Catchment area is the North Central Area Dublin City. Communities directly adjacent to the beach comprise of Marino, Fairview, Clontarf, Dollymount, , , Sutton.

Hydrology Contributing catchment details:

A number of smaller rivers and streams also enter the site, including two on the landward side of North Bull Island: the River, which flows into Sutton Creek, and the Naniken Stream which enters a channel flowing south-westward under Bull Bridge.

The North Bull Island is considered to have a lens of freshground water that develops immediately below the ground surface and extends many metres below the surface. This freshwater lens ‘floats’ on denser seawater situated below the island. The freshwater lens is dynamic and discharges around the margins of the island. Winter rains recharge the lens resulting in the water table forming a mound at the centre of the island (Environmental Impact Services 2001). The RDGC collects ground water for irrigation via ground bores, which is pumped to a central reservoir for distribution around the golf course (RDGC 1999). St Anne’s Golf Club abstracts ground water from a pond and shallow well located to the north of the clubhouse (Environmental Impact Services 2001).

A number of medium to large (by Irish standards) sized rivers discharge to Dublin Bay and, therefore, may influence water quality in Dollymount, and Merrion Strands. The largest of the rivers are the Liffey, Tolka, Santry and Dodder and the various tributaries that drain to them. Dollymount Strand is also impacted by a number of smaller streams including the Nanniken River, the Kilbarrack River, Fox’s Stream and The Wad, which is almost entirely culverted. It may also be impacted by runoff from the southern side of .

As Dollymount Strand is located in an entirely unban area, it is also influenced by discharges from the drainage network, including the surface water drainage network and discharges from the foul and combined sewer networks during periods of heavy rainfall.

There are a variety of pressures within the contributory catchment, including combined sewer overflows, IPC/IPPC sites, Sites licensed under Section 4 of the Local Government (Water Pollution) Act, 1977, as amended, and Wastewater Treatment Plants.

The contributory catchment is approximately 2,000 km2 and is illustrated in the map attached.

Monitoring point details: In line with laboratory procedure and Blue Flag Guide lines water testing is taken as random samples within the Blue Flag bating area concentrate in areas of concentrated bathing.

Testing is randomly done between Grid Reference 53o21’ 57. 91”N. 6008’ 56. 38” W and 53021’ 11.42” N. 6009’ 54.44” W

Reason for selection of the Locations are selected within areas of concentrated bathing use and expected bathing use along the monitoring point: length of Blue Flag Beach .

Water quality assessment: Since 2011, Water quality has been assessed with regard to the Bathing Water Directive 2008 (S.I. No.79 of 2008).

Prior to 20011 Water quality was assessed with regard to the EU guide and mandatory values as set out in the Quality of Bathing Waters Regulations, 1992 (S.I 155 of 1992), & the EC Directive concerning the Quality of Bathing Waters (76/160/EEC).

Dollymount has had good quality status for the 5 out of the 6 years from 2007-2012. Where water quality failed to achieve a good status, a classification of Sufficient was obtained.

Bathing Water Quality information is provided in Table 1.

Table 1. Dollymount Beach: Bathing Water Quality Status ( 2007-2012)

Year

Water Quality Status

2013

Good

2012

Sufficient

2011

Good

2010 Water quality assessment:

Good

2009

Good

2008

Good

2007

Good

3. Identified Pressures:

Map 2: Bathing Water Catchment

3.1 Potential pressures in the catchment assessed as posing no risk: Description: In addition to Waste Water Treatment Plant, there are a number of waste water treatment plants of various size in the catchment. However, there are a considerable distance away from the bathing waters, the closest being approximately 21 km away from the bathing waters and the furthest being approximately 63 km away from the bathing waters. Therefore, they are unlikely to have an impact on the bathing waters. Source: Waste Water Treatment Plants Type: Waste Water Treatment plant Short Term Pressure: No

Description: There are numerous licensed facilities throughout the catchment. Within the city area, licensed facilities are predominantly licensed to the foul drainage network and do not impact on the bathing waters. Outside the city area, certain licensed facilities discharge to surface waters. However, there are too remote from the bathing waters to pose a risk. Source: S4, IPC and IPPC Licensed Facilities Type: Industrial discharges Short Term Pressure: No

Description: The contributory catchment is extensive and contains a large number of septic tanks. However, all of these are located outside the city area and are, therefore, unlikely to pose a risk to the bathing waters. Source: Septic Tanks Type: Septic Tank Short Term Pressure: No

Description: There are dairy farms within the catchment that are likely to have a runoff. However, these are a considerable distance away from the bathing waters and are, therefore, unlikely to have any impact. Source: Dairy Farms Type: Dairy farm with potential run off Short Term Pressure: No

3.2 Potential pressures in the catchment assessed as posing risk: Description: The North Bull island is home to a large bird colony Source: Birds Type: Bird colony Short Term Pressure: No Nature: N/A Frequency: N/A Duration: N/A Risk Assessment N/A Methodology:

Risk Assessment None available. The potential impact from birds on the bathing waters is unknown. Results: Details: N/A Management Measures: N/A

Description: Pumping station failures/malfunctions at Clontarf, Vernon Avenue and Kilbarrack Source: Pumping Station Failures Type: Sewer Networks Short Term Pressure: Yes Nature: High Risk Frequency: Infrequent Duration: < 24 hours Risk Assessment Methodology: In the event of an emergency overflow, Clontarf and Vernon Avenue Pumping Stations would discharge to the Tolka Estuary, while Kilbarrack Pumping Station would discharge to the mud flats behind the North Bull Island. Therefore, they can be considered as short outfalls with preliminary treatment (Screens). This gives an MPP of High which, when coupled with a WQI grade C, gives an overall MPR of High. However, given the location of the pumping stations, and the influence of tide, the risk of microbial pollution from these pressures should be verified by modelling. Risk Assessment Microbial Pollution Risk (MPR) Assessment Results: Details: During periods of heavy rainfall, emergency overflows can be activated from pumping stations and may impact on water quality in the bathing water zone. Detailed modelling, including tidal patterns in Dublin Bay, is required to verify the impact of this pressure. Management Measures: Remote monitoring via telemetry, standby generators to supply power to pumping stations in the event of a power outage, management response systems in place.

Description: Local streams and rivers discharging to the rear of North Bull Island. These include the Kilbarrack Stream, Nannikan Stream and . Source: Local Rivers and Streams Type: Rivers, ditches, canals, groundwaters Short Term Pressure: Yes Nature: Moderate Risk Frequency: Infrequent Duration: < 24 hours Risk Assessment Water quality monitoring of local rivers and streams indicate that they do not meet the criteria for Methodology: good status under the Water Framework Directive, particularly during and immediately following heavy rainfall as there are combined sewer overflows discharging to these rivers and streams. As the flows in these rivers and streams are small and discharge to the mud flats behind the North Bull Island, their impact on bathing water quality is unknown. Risk Assessment Water Quality Monitoring in these streams and rivers. Results: Details: Combined sewer overflows discharge to all of these streams during heavy rainfall. Additionally, assessments under Water Framework Directive criteria indicate that the Santry River is impacted on by a number of other pressures including agricultural runoff and Urban Runoff from roads and numerous industrial zones throughout its catchment. However, there is no evidence to suggest that these pressures impact on the bathing waters. Management Measures: Routine sewer maintenance of the drainage network ensures that blockages in the network are minimised. A Programme of Measures is in place for the Santry River under the Water Framework Directive.

Description: Dollymount Strand is a very popular location for dog walking Source: Dogs Type: Fauna Short Term Pressure: No Nature: N/A Frequency: N/A Duration: N/A Risk Assessment Dollymount Strand is a very popular location for dog walking. encourages Methodology: people to clean up after their dogs and most people are conscientious and do so. However, it is always possible that dogs may excrete or urinate whilst in the bathing waters. Risk Assessment No method of risk assessment available. Results: Details: N/A Management Measures: N/A

Description: Discharge from Waste Water Discharge Works Source: Ringsend Waste Water Treatment Works Type: Waste Water Treatment plant Short Term Pressure: Yes Nature: High Risk Frequency: Infrequent Duration: < 24 hours Risk Assessment Methodology: The outfall from the WWTP is located approximately 2 km away from the southern end of the bathing waters. The North Bull Wall is located at the southern end of the bathing waters. Given the distance of the outfall from the bathing waters, the microbial pollution potential (MPP) is very low in the first instance. However, it is possible that, in exceptional circumstances, such as during heavy rainfall, the discharge from the WWTP will contain elevated levels of microbiological contaminants which could have an impact on bathing water quality.

The WWTP serves a population of approximately 1.5 million people and Dublin Bay has a strong tidal influence. Therefore, following notes a and b in Table 1 of the EPA Guidance for the Development of Bathing Water Profiles, the MPP should be classed as high.

Dollymount Strand has Water Quality impact (WQI) grade C, giving an MPP of High. Risk Assessment Microbial Pollution Risk (MPR) Assessment Results: Details: During periods of heavy rainfall, the discharge from the Wastewater Treatment Plant may impact on water quality in the bathing water zone. Detailed modelling, including tidal patterns in Dublin Bay, is required to verify the impact of this pressure. Management Measures: Proposed extension to Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant will provide sufficient capacity to treat flows. Currently, UV treatment is provided during the bathing season.

Description: Discharges from combined sewer overflows during periods of heavy rainfall Source: Combined Sewer Overflows Type: Sewer Networks Short Term Pressure: Yes Nature: Moderate Risk Frequency: Infrequent Duration: < 24 hours Risk Assessment In the event of a sufficiently high rainfall event, combined sewer overflows along the coast road can Methodology: be activated, resulting in the discharge of dilute sewage effluent to the bay. Therefore, they can be considered as short outfalls with no treatment. This gives an MPP of High which, when coupled with a WQI grade C, gives an overall MPR of High. However, given the location of the combined sewer overflows and the influence of tide, the risk of microbial pollution from these pressures should be verified by modelling.

Risk Assessment Microbial Pollution Risk (MPR) Assessment Results: Details: During periods of heavy rainfall, combined sewer overflow activations occur, discharging sewage effluent to the bay. The true impact of these activations on bathing water quality is unknown. Detailed modelling, including tidal patterns in Dublin Bay, is required to verify the impact of this pressure. Management Measures: Combined sewer overflow chambers are monitored frequently to prevent blockages

3.3 Other Risks:

Assessment of the potential for proliferation The proliferation of Cyanobacteria has not been a significant issue at Dollymount Beach. Since of cyanobacteria: 2003 there have been no reports of cynaobacterial blooms.

Proposed management measures for Where practicable, this material is not removed from the beach as it is not considered to be cyanobacteria: polluting. However, where public health considerations dictate otherwise, the material is removed and used as part of the Bull island dune management and maintenance programmes.

Assessment of the potential for proliferation N/A of macroalgae:

Proposed management measures for A review of water monitoring results at Dollymount indicates that there is no evidence to suggest a macroalgae: potential for proliferation of Marine Phytoplankton on this beach.

Assessment of the potential for proliferation The beach is subject to occasional accumulation of the Ectocarpus sp. The arrival of this of marine phytoplankton: macroalgal species at Dollymount beach is considered to be related to seasonal factors and generally follows stormy weather conditions.

Proposed management measures for marine N/A phytoplankton: Additional Information: Dublin City Council posts all water quality data on high visibility signage, which is located at the entrances to each of the entrances to Dollymount strand. Furthermore, all water quality analysis results are posted on Dublin City Council’s website. Information on the Beaches can be found on Dublin City Council’s website under Culture, Recreation and Amenity Department. Furthermore, Parks and Landscapes Services Section works in tandem with the North Bull Action Group in organizing beach cleanup days once a month. This Section also works with the National Parks and Wildlife Service on biodiversity and with An Taisce concerning the Blue Flag Beach.

4 Bathing Water Status From Previous Sampling Years:

2010 2011 2012 2013 Dollymount Strand Good Good Sufficient Good

5 Contact Details:

Contact: Dublin City Council Email: [email protected] Address: Environment and Engineering Section, Central Laboratory, Eblaná House, 68-70 Marrowbone Lane, Dublin 8 Phone: 01 2224331