Algal blooms of Phaeocystis species have occurred several times along the east coast of Ireland, over the summer months, in recent years.

Phaeocystis forms part of the natural cycle of phytoplankton in Irish waters and often occurs after the initial seasonal spring bloom. In the North Sea dense blooms of this species have been associated with nutrient enriched continental coastal waters but this is unlikely to be a factor in the low nutrient waters of the western Irish Sea.

The Phaeocystis species cause water discolouration and foaming along the shore in windy conditions. According to experts in the Marine Institute this species is not harmful to humans either through swimming or from consuming fish that have been exposed to the bloom. The beaches remain safe despite any discolouration of water.

In some cases, oxygen depletion can occur when the bloom decays and this can result in fish and shellfish mortalities, but this has not occurred with previous blooms of Phaeocystis in Irish waters.

Blooms of Phaeocystis species usually dissipate within a few weeks. The progress of any current blooms of Phaeocystis and other potentially harmful algal blooms can be viewed on the Marine Institute’s website here.

Identified bathing waters are bathing waters (sea, river or lake surface waters) which Dún Laoghaire- Rathdown County Council consider to be widely suitable by the public for bathing. Identified bathing waters are monitored, managed and assessed under the requirements of the Bathing Water Quality Regulations 2008 as amended. Under the Bathing Water Quality Regulations 2008, Dún Laoghaire- Rathdown County Council has responsibilities in relation to the management of bathing areas in the dlr area. These responsibilities include the identification of bathing areas, the establishment of bathing water profiles for identified bathing areas, the monitoring of bathing water quality at identified bathing areas, and the management of short-term pollution incidents and communication of health risks to bathers.

We currently have 5 identified Bathing Areas under these regulations - Seapoint, Sandycove, The Forty Foot Bathing Area, Killiney Beach and White Rock Beach. However, we do monitor water quality at a total of 9 locations which also include Blackrock Baths Shore, Beach Gardens Dún Laoghaire, Coliemore Harbour and Corbawn Strand.

Rates are a property-based tax levied by Local Authorities on the occupiers of commercial/industrial properties in their administrative area.

Rates are a property-based tax levied by Local Authorities on the occupiers of commercial/industrial properties in their administrative area.

Income from commercial rates pays for a wide range of services including street lighting, maintenance of roads and footpaths, libraries, parks and playgrounds, sports and recreation facilities, economic development, community development and environmental protection.

The levying and collection of commercial rates by Local Authorities is legislated under the Local Government Rates and Other Matters Act 2019.

Under the planning system, many minor works to structures do not normally require planning permission.  These works are known as exempted development.  However, for a Protected Structure, such works can be carried out without planning permission only if the works would not affect the character of the structure or any element of the structure that contributes to its special interest. 

Under the planning system, many minor works to structures do not normally require planning permission.  These works are known as exempted development.  However, for a Protected Structure, such works can be carried out without planning permission only if the works would not affect the character of the structure or any element of the structure that contributes to its special interest. If unsure if planning permission is required, it is advised to contact the Conservation Division. 

These Regulations affect businesses such as crash repair operators that are involved in Vehicle Refinishing activities. The Regulations apply to all commercial operators that use paint products containing Organic Solvents on their premises.

For further detailed information, click on this link to the Deco Paints Regulations

Full details of the range of charges that may apply to householders, and the types of waste material accepted at the Civic Recycling Facility, are available on the Ballyogan Recycling Park web-page. 

Valuation Office Ireland
Irish Life Centre
Abbey Street Lower
Dublin 1

Phone General Queries: (01) 817 1000
FAX:            (01) 817 1180
e-mail:           info@valoff.ie
Website:       http://www.valoff.ie/en/
 

Rates Section
Finance Department
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council
County Hall
Marine Road
Dun Laoghaire
Co. Dublin

Phone:          (01) 205 4821 
Fax:             (01)  280 5581 
e-mail:           rates@dlrcoco.ie 
Website:       www.dlrcoco.ie/