Sandymount Strand (2017)

Bathing Water Profile - Sandymount Strand (2017)

Bathing Water: Sandymount Strand Bathing Water Code: IEEABWC090_0000_0300 Local Authority: Dublin City Council River Basin District: Eastern Monitoring Point: 319550E, 232033N

1. Profile Details: Amenities Profile Id: BWPR00409 Beach activity zones No Year Of Profile: 2017 Beach Information No board Year Of Identification 1998 Beach Wheelchair No Version Number: 1 Car free zone No

Figure 1: Bathing Water Cars allowed on beach No Cars not allowed on No beach Disability Access No Dogs allowed on lead No Dogs not allowed Yes First Aid No Lifebuoy at beach No Lifeguarded zone No Litter Bin No Natural Sensitive Area Yes Near Public Transport No Parking Yes Recycling facilities No Toilets Yes 2. Bathing Water Details:

Map 1: Bathing Water Location & Extent

Bathing Water location and Sandymount/Merrion is located to the south of the Shelly Banks Beaches in South Dublin and follows extent: alongside the Strand Road.. The beach area is important from a natural heritage point of view and as such is contained within a candidate Special Area of Conservation (South Dublin Bay cSAC ref. 000210) designated under the EU Habitats Directive (1992) and a Special Protection Area (Sandymount Strand/Tolka Estuary SPA ref. 004024) designated under the EU Birds Directive (1979).

The Beach is approximately 2km long

Main features of the Bathing Type of Bathing Water Water: Sandymount Strand is a large beach, adjacent to the village and suburb of Sandymount in Dublin the strand, which is part of the South Bull. The Merrion Promenade and Baths Co built Sandymount swimming baths in 1883. The baths measured approximately 40 by 40 metres, The remaining unused concrete baths now resemble a small harbour seen beyond the tide line. About half way along the strand is a Martello tower, part of a system of defences built to warn of an invasion by Napoleon.

Sandymount Strand is predominantly used by walkers as It is not ideal for swimming; the beach's gradual slope makes the water too shallow to allow for any swimming. There is also a large inlet of water that remains even at low tide is known locally as "Cockle Lake".

Flora/Fauna, Riparian Zone

The beach is confined between the Strand Road and the Sea not providing a lot of space for Flora and fauna however due to its position and coastal connection to Sean Moore Park and the lrishtown nature Reserve it is a nationally important area for migrating birds and has the following Formal designations,

Tidal Range

Max/Min values from the period of 13/03/2007 to today Min= -2.695 Max= 2.434 Range is 5.129m This value would include extreme storm events where values would be artificially low or high

Land Use

The landscape in the immediate vicinity of the beach is totally Urban which connects into the community of Sandymount Village and Merrion Village all areas consist of private domestic dwellings and small retail outlets .

Sensitive Area

Special Area of Conservation (South Dublin Bay cSAC ref. 000210) designated under the EU Habitats Directive (1992) Main features of the Bathing Water:

Special Protection Area (Sandymount Strand/Tolka Estuary SPA ref. 004024) designated under the EU Birds Directive (1979

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

Approx number of visitor during the bathing season:

Activities available at the Sandymount Strand is predominantly used by walkers as It is not ideal for swimming and paddling; the Bathing Water: beach's gradual slope makes the water too shallow to allow for any swimming. There is also a large inlet of water that remains even at low tide is known locally as "Cockle Lake".

Beach is also used by horse riders and kite flyers.

Contributing catchment Sandymount Strand is one of the great amenities of the city. It stretches from lrishtown, through to the end details: of the promenade at Sandymount, where it merges with Merrion Strand, and out to Booterstown. The "strand" is a shallow, tidal mudflat and host to thousands of birds, particularly over the winter months. Communities directly adjacent to the beach comprise of Ringsend, lrishtown, Sandymount , Merrion village and Booterstown . however all of Dublin's South Central Area and South East area is in reality the Contributing catchment area with an approximate area of approximately 50 km2

Water Bodies Draining to Bathing Water

The River Liffey flows through the centre of Dublin. Its major tributaries include the River Dodder, the River Poddle and the River Camac. The river enters the sea at the mid-point of Dublin Bay, on a line extending from the Baily lighthouse to the Muglin Rocks. The Elm Park Stream discharges directly onto the strand.

A number of medium to large (by Irish standards) sized rivers discharge to Dublin Bay and, therefore, may influence water quality in Dollymount, Sandymount and Merrion Strands. The largest of the rivers are the Liffey, Tolka, Santry and Dodder and the various tributaries that drain to them. Sandymount and Merrion Strands are also influenced by the Elm Park Stream, the Triblestown Stream and the Nutley Stream.

As Sandymount and Merrion Strands are located in an entirely unban area, they are 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.

Pressures in the catchment include combined sewer overflows, IPC/IPPC sites, sites licensed under Section 4 of the Local Government (Water Pollution) Act, 1977, as amended, and waste water treatment plants.

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

Monitoring point details: Location of the Monitoring Point:

• Sandymount Strand (GR 319550; 232033)

Aspect: E

Foreshore: Department of The Marine & Natural Resources.

Adjacent Landowners: Dublin City Council & Dublin Port.

Sampling Point No.: 40545 Identified: No

Reason for selection of the Locations are selected within areas of concentrated bathing use and expected bathing use along the monitoring point: length of the 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 2011 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).

Sandymount has had good quality status for the 6 out of the 10 bathing seasons from 2007-2016. Where water quality failed to achieve a good status, a classification of satisfactory was obtained.

Bathing Water Quality information is provided in Tables 1 Water quality assessment:

Table 1. Sandymount Strand: Bathing Water Quality Status (2007-2016)

2016 - Sufficient

2015 - Sufficient

2014 - Good

2013 - Good

2012 - Good

2011 - Sufficient

2010 - Good

2009 - Good

2008 - Sufficient

2007 - Good 3. Identified Pressures:

Map 2: Bathing Water Catchment 3.1 Potential pressures in the catchment assessed as posing no risk: 3.2 Potential pressures in the catchment assessed as posing risk: Description: In addition to Ringsend Waste Water Treatment Plant, there are a number of waste water treatment Description: plantsThe beach of various is used size by inhorse the catchment.riders. The However, extent to therewhich are this a takes considerable place is unknown.distance away However, from the bathingthere has waters, been evidencethe closest of beinghorse approximately waste observed 21 on km Merrion away from Strand the bathing waters and the Source: Horsesfurthest being approximately 63 km away from the bathing waters. Therefore, they are unlikely to have an impact on the bathing waters. Type: Other Source: Waste Water Treatment Plants Short Term Pressure: Yes Type: Waste Water Treatment plant Nature: Moderate Risk Short Term Pressure: No Frequency: Infrequent Duration: < 72 hours Description: There are dairy farms within the catchment that are likely to have a runoff. However, they are a Risk Assessment considerableNo assessment distance methodology away from available. the bathing However, waters Microbial and are, Source therefore, Tracking unlikely (MST), to have carried any impact.out in Methodology: 2105 indicated the presence of horse faeces. Source: Diary Farms Type:Risk Assessment DairyMST indicatedfarm with thepotential presence run offof horse faeces in bathing water samples. Results: Short Term Pressure: No Details: Where horse waste is dropped on the beach and remains unreported, it will be washed out to sea in the following tides. ManagementDescription: NoThe current contributory management catchment measures is extensive in place. and contains a large number of septic tanks. However, all Measures: of these are located outside the city area and are, therefore, unlikely to pose a risk to the bathing waters. Source: Septic Tanks Description: The Elm Park Stream discharges directly onto the bathing waters. Type: Septic Tank Source: Elm Park Stream Short Term Pressure: No Type: Rivers, ditches, canals, groundwaters Short Term Pressure: Yes Description: There are numerous licensed facilities throughout the catchment. Within the city area, licensed Nature: facilitiesHigh Risk are predominantly licensed to the foul drainage network and do not impact on the bathing Frequency: Infrequentwaters. 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:Duration: S4,< 24 IPC hours and IPPC Licensed Facilities Type:Risk Assessment IndustrialWater Quality discharges Monitoring Study in 2012 Methodology: Short Term Pressure: No Risk Assessment Water quality monitoring of the Elm Park Stream indicates that it does not meet the criteria for good Results: status under the Water Framework Directive, particularly during and immediately following heavy rainfall as there is a combined sewer overflow discharging to the stream. A monitoring study of the Elm Park Stream in 2012 demonstrated that it does have an impact on the bathing waters. Previously, misconnections have been identified in the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council area, but these have been addressed. Details: Combined sewer overflow discharges to the Elm Park Stream during periods of heavy rainfall. Management Routine maintenance of the drainage network ensures that blockages in the network are minimised. Measures: The CSO discharging to the Elm Park Stream (located in Elm Park Golf Course) is on telemetry. Misconnection surveys in Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council area are ongoing.

Description: Sandymount 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 No method of risk assessment available. Methodology:

Risk Assessment Sandymount Strand is a very popular location for dog walking. Dublin City Council encourages Results: 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. Details: N/A Management N/A Measures:

Description: Discharges from combined sewer overflows during periods of heavy rainfall Source: Combined Sewer Overflows Type: Sewer Networks Short Term Pressure: Yes Nature: High Risk Frequency: Infrequent Duration: < 24 hours Risk Assessment Microbial Pollution Risk (MPR) Assessment Methodology:

Risk Assessment In the event of a sufficiently high rainfall event, combined sewer overflows along the coast road can Results: 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. 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 Combined sewer overflow chambers are monitored frequently to prevent blockages Measures:

Description: Sandymount Strand is home to many birds or is frequented by many birds Source: Birds Type: Bird colony Short Term Pressure: No Nature: N/A Frequency: N/A Duration: N/A Risk Assessment None available. The potential impact from birds on the bathing waters is unknown. Methodology:

Risk Assessment N/A Results: Details: N/A Management N/A Measures:

Description: Pumping station failures at Ailesbury and Shrewsbury Source: Pumping Station Failures Type: Sewer Networks Short Term Pressure: Yes Nature: High Risk Frequency: Infrequent Duration: < 24 hours Risk Assessment Microbial Pollution Risk (MPR) Assessment Methodology: Risk Assessment In the event of an emergency overflow, Ailesbury and Shrewsbury pumping stations would Results: discharge to the bathing waters. 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. 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 Remote monitoring via telemetry, standby generators to supply power to pumping stations in the Measures: event of a power outage, management response systems in place.

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 Microbial Pollution Risk (MPR) Assessment Methodology:

Risk Assessment Given the distance of the outfall from the bathing waters, the microbial pollution potential (MPP) is Results: 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.

Sandymount Strand has Water Quality impact (WQI) grade C, giving an MPP of High.

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 Proposed extension to Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant will provide sufficient capacity to treat Measures: flows. Currently, UV treatment is provided during the bathing season.

3.3 Other Risks:

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

Proposed management measures for Accumulated seaweed is not removed from the strand and is allowed to recycle naturally. cyanobacteria:

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

Proposed management measures for A review of water monitoring results at Sandymount Strand indicates that there is no evidence to macroalgae: suggest a 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 Sandymount Strand 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 on Sandymount 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.

4 Bathing Water Status From Previous Sampling Years:

2013 2014 2015 2016 Sandymount Strand Good Quality Good Quality Sufficient Sufficient Quality Quality

5 Contact Details:

Contact: Dublin City Council Email: [email protected] Address: Dublin City Council, Central Laboratory, Eblaná House, Dublin Phone: 01 2224331