COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM/TEMPLEOGUE/FIRHOUSE/BOHERNABREENA AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, September 08, 2020

MOTION NO. 4

MOTION: Councillor Alan Edge

In light of the tragic death of a young boy in the Dodder close to Bohernabreena Waterworks, that the Chief Executive report on the specific water safety issues in this area, including any other incidents which have occurred in the vicinity and what steps are being taken to ensure that the public are well informed about the dangers.

REPORT:

South Dublin County Council in the strongest possible terms discourages swimming in the Dodder River at the location of Callaghan’s Bridge where the tragic drowning of a teenage boy occurred in mid-August.  This location is not a safe location for swimming, there are in fact no locations on the Dodder River where swimming is safe and encouraged.  The Council intends putting in place measures to prevent access to the river across public land in this area, measures of this type have been put in place in the past but these have been interfered with in order to gain access to the river.  Warning signs will be erected to advise members of the public that swimming is not permitted at this location.  The Council's health and safety advisor is consulting with Water Safety Ireland in relation to the matter and specifically with regard to the need for provision of ring buoys near the river at this location.   

It is important that a strong water safety message is emphasised by all concerned in relation to this matter, and that in particular swimming should only take place at locations which are deemed to be safe for swimming.  There are no locations deemed safe for swimming in any of the rivers, lakes or canals situated within South Dublin County.