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Help reverse the ban on watersports at Silverstrand Beach, Barna.
In early July 2025, Galway City Council erected signage banning watersports at Silverstrand beach, a popular beach for all forms of watersports for over 50 years. The signage bans a broad range of activities such as "Windsurfing", "Kitesurfing" and "Surf Craft" - terms which can encompass surfboards, kayaks, stand-up paddle (SUP) boards, wing foiling and even children’s boogie boards. The ban has led to confusion and concern among regular users of the beach, causing conflict between swimmers and watersports users, with some interpreting the move as a discouragement of watersports visitors to Galway’s coastline.
Silverstrand Beach, a beloved location for swimmers and watersports enthusiasts alike for over five decades, has held Blue Flag status since 2006. Galway City Council is now (in 2025) claiming that watersports need to be banned to maintain Blue Flag status. The decision was made without prior consultation with local swimming and watersports communities, prompting further questions about stakeholder engagement and long-term planning. There is growing apprehension that the ban could be extended to other popular Galway beaches, including Salthill and Renmore.
Critics of the decision have noted that other Irish local authorities managing Blue Flag beaches typically employ zoning strategies and beach management plans, which allow swimmers and watersports users to share the beaches safely. Galway City Council currently does not zone any of its beaches, making it the only local authority along the Wild Atlantic Way without such a management approach. Stakeholders are calling for engagement with the watersports community and the adoption of proven zoning models to resolve conflicts and ensure safe, shared access for all beach users.
How can you help?
We need as many people as possible to email Galway city councillors listed below and ask them to remove the ban. It only takes 2 minutes and and can make a real difference.
1. Copy and paste this email >
Subject: Support Needed - Remove Ban on Watersports at Silverstrand Beach, Barna
Dear Councillor,
I’m writing to express my concern about the sign banning watersports at Silverstrand beach.
[INSERT YOUR OWN WORDS HERE: how the ban affects you, why the beach matters, what watersports mean to your life - fun, health, community etc.]
I believe that banning access isn’t the answer. A zoning and management plan would allow swimmers and watersports users to share the beach safely and respectfully. I urge you to support the following motion recently put before Galway City Council (July 2025).
In relation to Silverstrand Beach:
That the signage is removed immediately.
That the Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) meets with the Galway City Watersports Club to begin meaningful consultation.
That Galway City Council work towards a Beach Management and Zoning Plan that allows for dedicated launch zones, improved access routes to the water, and safe, inclusive use of our coastal spaces.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name] [OPTIONAL: Your location or connection to Galway/Silverstrand Beach]
2. Email all Galway city councillors >
Galway City West:
Alan.Curran@cgcc.ie; Michael.Crowe@cgcc.ie; Clodagh.Higgins@cgcc.ie; Peter.Keane@cgcc.ie; Donal.Lyons@cgcc.ie; Niall.McNelis@cgcc.ie;
Galway City East:
Aisling.Burke@cgcc.ie; Alan.Cheevers@cgcc.ie; Shane.Forde@cgcc.ie; Declan.McDonnell@cgcc.ie; Helen.Ogbu@cgcc.ie; Terry.OFlaherty@cgcc.ie;
Galway City Central:
Eibhlin.Seoighthe@cgcc.ie; John.McDonagh@cgcc.ie; Mike.Cubbard@cgcc.ie; Frank.Fahy@cgcc.ie; Josie.Forde@cgcc.ie; Eddie.Hoare@cgcc.ie;
Galway West TDs
Catherine.Connolly@oireachtas.ie; John.Connolly@oireachtas.ie; Mairead.Farrell@oireachtas.ie; Noel.Grealish@oireachtas.ie; Hildegarde.Naughton@oireachtas.ie;
All councillor contact details are available on the Galway City Council website.
