Louth County Council Addresses Environmental Alerts at Blackrock Beach After Seaweed Concerns
By ArdeePost Reporter
Concerns over abundant seaweed and perceived pollution at Blackrock Beach have prompted Louth County Council to respond directly after an urgent June 26 meeting with Dundalk Municipal District councillors.
Louth County Council Officials engaged with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Marine Institute to address growing public unease, particularly around seaweed accumulation, water quality, and swimming safety
Seaweed buildup: Natural while smelly
Authorities confirmed that the increased seaweed washing ashore is a natural, seasonal macroalgae accumulation. Both the EPA and Marine Institute agree that it isn’t linked to pollution but results from organic detritus typically found in coastal areas (). While it can cause unpleasant odours and aesthetic disruption, efforts to clean the beach must respect its status as a protected habitat within Dundalk Bay, part of the Natura 2000 network of Special Protection Areas (SPA) and Special Areas of Conservation (SAC). As such, removal of seaweed is not permitted ().
Bathing water not designated
Blackrock Beach currently is not a designated bathing water under the 2008 Bathing Water Regulations and their 2024 amendments. Without this status, the Council does not conduct regular water quality testing at this location . Instead, locals are encouraged to use nearby officially monitored sites—Inner Dundalk Bay and Castletown Estuary—which regularly receive ‘Excellent’ water quality ratings from the EPA .
Public input on future designation
Council officials are urging the public to propose Blackrock for bathing area status via the annual nomination process. Submissions are open until 26 September, with forms available on the Council website . Click Here
Sewage & pollution monitoring
Questions were raised regarding sewage discharges and stormwater impacts. Council representatives confirmed that the EPA oversees water quality regulation, including wastewater emissions, and has been contacted for an urgent update regarding potential pollution near Blackrock .
Council leaders reassure the community
Cllr Seán Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, emphasised:
“Blackrock Beach is one of the most popular and well‑loved spots in County Louth … we want to reassure the public that their voices matter.”
Echoing him, Dundalk MD Cathaoirleach Cllr Robert Nash described the meeting as “constructive” and committed to keeping residents updated on progress .
What this means for locals
- Don’t swim at Blackrock unless you’re comfortable with unmonitored water quality. Opt for designated beaches with regular testing.
- Nominate the beach for bathing water status before 26 September.
- Stay alert for updates from the EPA and Council regarding water safety and potential pollution.
In summary, Louth County Council has taken community concerns seriously, provided expert reassurance on natural seaweed presence, and offered clear paths for residents to shape the beach’s future through official nomination and continued engagement.
