With the much-loved Portumna Christmas Swim fast approaching, concerns over the ongoing closure of the town’s main bathing area dominated discussion at this week’s meeting of the Loughrea Municipal District.
Four months after Galway County Council erected a red flag warning swimmers to stay out of the water, local representatives expressed frustration at the lack of progress, the absence of updated information, and the possibility that this year’s charity swim may not go ahead.
The bathing area was officially closed in August after “visible evidence of aquatic weeds” was recorded at the site. On the advice of the Council’s Water Safety Awareness Officer, the authority immediately flew a red flag and began actively advising against swimming. At the time, the Council said it would maintain lifeguard presence “in the short term to facilitate the flying of the red flag” and indicated that warmer water temperatures over the summer months likely contributed to accelerated weed growth in the shallow waters.
While the closure was viewed as a necessary precaution during the height of summer activity, little has changed as winter sets in, a point that several councillors highlighted during Monday’s meeting. With only weeks to go until the Portumna Christmas Swim, an event steeped in local tradition and known for its strong fundraising efforts, organisers remain in limbo.
Cllr Jimmy McClearn (Fine Gael ) was among the most vocal in raising concerns. Noting that the Christmas Swim has taken place “for many, many years” between two piers at the bathing area, he stressed that the event is operated by trained lifeguards and has always prioritised safety. At this time of year, he argued, the aquatic weeds would naturally be dying back, calling into question the continued need for a full bathing prohibition.
“The organisers don’t know what they can do because there are no swim notices,” he said. “It would be a real tragedy if we didn’t have that swim in 2025. They won’t organise it unless those notices come down, even for one day. People are swimming there all year round. I’m not sure what scientific theories were used to put up those warnings, but I’m asking for an update, and I need it this week.”
Cllr Declan Kelly (Independent Ireland ) supported this view, emphasising that screening for aquatic growth is typically carried out in the summer months when weeds are at their peak. With winter now well underway, the situation on the ground may have changed considerably, he suggested.
However, Galway County Council officials offered a more cautious response. Gerard Haugh, a Council engineer, confirmed that the bathing area is actually under the ownership of the Office of Public Works (OPW ), adding a layer of complexity to decision-making and limiting the Council’s direct authority over the site.
Director of Services, Eileen Ruane, told councillors that the Council is “working to try to resolve the issue” and engaging with the relevant bodies, but she made it clear that a risk assessment remains in place, and that this assessment currently prevents her from authorising a public swim.
“I cannot OK a swim when there is a risk assessment currently taking place,” she stated, acknowledging the community’s frustration but underscoring the need for proper procedure.
With just weeks remaining before the scheduled Christmas Swim, organisers and participants are left waiting for clarity. While councillors pressed for urgent action, the Council provided no definitive timeline for when the red flag may be removed or whether a temporary exemption could be granted.
For now, Galway County Council has confirmed only that it will “continue to look into the issue,” leaving the future of one of Portumna’s most cherished festive traditions hanging in the balance.
