Bacik to host public meeting on future of Dublin Bay

On Tuesday, 13^th September, 7.00pm-8.30pm, Labour Party Leader and TD for Dublin Bay South Ivana Bacik will host a public meeting on the future of Dublin Bay in the Sandymount Hotel, Herbert Road, D04 VN88.

Speaking about the meeting and her Bill to save Dublin Bay, Deputy Bacik said,

‘Dublin Bay is one of the greatest resources our city has. During the pandemic, many Dubliners reconnected with the Bay, swimming and meeting friends there. Indeed, the Bay remains a valuable amenity for year-round and seasonal sea swimmers. However, too often, the water quality is poor, with swimming prohibited. The biodiversity of the Bay is also under threat due to pollution. For decades, Dubliners have watched as former hubs of community activity, such as the Blackrock and Sandymount baths have fallen into decay.

‘It is past time that we saw action taken to ensure the environmental protection of the Bay, as well as a vision as to how it can better be brought into public use. Last year, I drafted a Bill to do just that – the Dublin Bay Bill 2021. My Bill would create a new Dublin Bay Authority with a mandate to:

• to propose and promote policies for the protection and enhancement of the environment of Dublin Bay and of the natural habitats and wildlife in and around the Bay,
• to co-ordinate, promote and support strategic planning and sustainable development in and around Dublin Bay,
• to make recommendations to regulate and control pollution in and around Dublin Bay,
• to promote public interest in and respect for Dublin Bay as a public amenity,
• to co-ordinate the activities of public bodies and other organisations and persons in matters connected with the performance of its functions.

‘The Bill has resonated strongly with so many people around our city and county. I regularly receive emails from constituents asking when it will be passed into law. That is why I have called this meeting: both to inform people about the current status of the Bill, and so that we can all work together to formulate a plan to see it enacted. I will be joined by Cllr. Dermot Lacey, Cllr. Kevin Donoghue and Cllr. Mary Freehill. This is an inclusive campaign and all are welcome to join us in the Sandymount Hotel.

‘For too long we have taken Dublin Bay for granted. Not long ago 300,000 tonnes of sewage sludge were dumped in the Bay every year. Today for instance there are real concerns about wastewater discharges from the Ringsend Wastewater Treatment plant and the potential damage that dredging of the port is causing to the ecosystem. We need a joined-up approach to the future protection and enhancement of Dublin Bay. We need to act now, and my proposal is a necessary first step to change how we treat Dublin Bay and realise its remarkable potential.’