Statement from Galway City Watersports Club on Beach Access Motions Passed by Galway City Council
12th September, 2025
Galway City Watersports Group warmly welcomes the recent passing of motions by Galway City Council to improve access and management of our city beaches including Ballyloughane, Grattan Road, Salthill and Silverstrand. This is a significant and positive step forward in ensuring that our beaches are safe, accessible, and enjoyable for all users — swimmers, watersports enthusiasts, and the wider community alike.
We would like to sincerely thank Cllr. Clodagh Higgins for proposing the motion, Cllr. Donal Lyons for seconding the motion, Cllr. Alan Curran for his constructive engagement on this matter, all Councillors and local T.D. 's for their support. The commitment shown by elected representatives demonstrates the importance of finding solutions that balance the needs of all beach users. The public response to the sign banning watersports at Silverstrand Beach in July 2025 was overwhelming and demonstrated clearly the value that the people of Galway place on maintaining fair and safe access to their beaches. This strong community reaction underlined the importance of consultation, transparency, and collaboration in shaping decisions about our shared public spaces.
Galway City Watersports Group looks forward to constructive engagement with Galway City Council and all stakeholders as the beach zoning plans take shape. 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. We view the passing of these motions as an important milestone in shaping the future of Galway’s beaches.
The motions passed were:
That the Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) meets with the Galway City Water Sports Groups to begin meaningful consultation.
That Galway City Council develops a Beach Management and Zoning plan (that fully meets Criterion 30 of the Blue Flag beach criteria document) for all Galway City Beaches.
That Galway City Council engages with all stakeholders to develop Zoning plans and maps for all Galway City Beaches (consistent with Criterion 5 and Criterion 30 of the Blue Flag beach criteria document) that allows for dedicated launch zones, improved access routes to the water, and provides for safe, inclusive use of our beaches for swimmers, watersports and beach users.
