Call for action on beach zoning at Galway's Silverstrand
.jpg?width=96&crop=1:1,smart)
PRESSURE is mounting on Galway City Council to deliver on a promised beach zoning plan, as local water sports groups have reignited their campaign to lift the ban at Silverstrand.
The issue began last year when signs were put up at the popular beach in July 2025 banning a broad range of activities, including windsurfing, kitesurfing and ‘surf craft’ – a term which can include surfboards, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.
Since September 2025, representatives have met council management four times but no resolution has been reached, and the ban remains in place.
“There has been no change in the position from Galway City Council and the signs banning watersports remain in place,” said local watersports spokesperson, Brian Coll.
A new petition, which has already attracted over 1,000 signatures, calls on the council to implement the agreed beach management and zoning framework that fully meets Blue Flag criteria across all city beaches.
The petition also urges the local authority to engage with stakeholders to provide dedicated launch areas, improved access to the water, and safe, shared use of beaches for swimmers, watersports participants and the wider public.
The ban sparked widespread confusion and anger at the time, with strong criticism from local groups and regular beach users.
There has been no change in the position from Galway City Council and the signs banning watersports remain in place,
In response to the public backlash, councillors agreed to advance a beach management and zoning plan for city beaches, including Silverstrand, following a motion brought forward by Cllr Clodagh Higgins (FG).
Efforts to resolve the issue appeared to gather momentum late last year, when the Galway City Watersports Group presented to the council’s Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) for the first time since submitting proposals in 2021. However, while the commitment to introduce zoning was welcomed, the restrictions remain in place.
The petition calls on the council to remove the signs and introduce designated areas at Silverstrand for non-motorised watercraft ahead of the 2026 bathing season.
“To resolve the issue, the watersports community would like to see the beach zoned for swimming and watersports prior to the start of the 2026 bathing season in June,” added Brian.
According to campaigners, this would bring Galway in line with Blue Flag criteria. Currently Galway City Council does not operate such a system at any of its beaches, they said, making it the only local authority along the Wild Atlantic Way without one.
To illustrate this, the local watersports groups recently carried out a temporary zoning exercise at Silverstrand, using buoys and markers to separate launch and swimming areas.
Campaigners said time is now running out to implement the plan before the summer season begins and they are also seeking support from elected representatives and candidates in the Galway West bye-election.
“Silverstrand beach has long been a magnet for visitors to Galway city,” they said. “By banning water sports, this will impact local businesses that rely on these tourists.”
In response to the latest petition, Cllr Higgins said the community wants “collaboration, not conflict”. She said she organised a recent meeting with Chief Executive Leonard Cleary and Independent Cllr Donal Lyons, where Mr Cleary reiterated his commitment to “fully examine the matter”.
Silverstrand is a treasured local amenity and it is vital that it remains a shared space.
“I welcome the Chief Executive’s commitment to now fully examine the matter, and I am very hopeful that we can reach a balanced and practical resolution,” she said. “Silverstrand is a treasured local amenity and it is vital that it remains a shared space, one that continues to accommodate watersports enthusiasts, swimmers, and families alike.
“That outcome is entirely achievable, but only if we are all working from the same page with a clear objective: to facilitate and accommodate, not to impose unnecessary restrictions. I will continue to advocate strongly to ensure that their voices are reflected in the final approach.”
Funded by the Democracy Reporting Scheme