Zone Silverstrand Beach

Galway City Council have erected signs banning water sports at Silverstrand beach, a popular beach for all forms of water sports for over 50 years. The signage bans a broad range of activities such as "Windsurfing", "Kitesurfing" and "Surf craft" - terms which can encompass surfboards, kayaks, and stand-up paddle (SUP) boards. The ban has led to confusion and concern among regular users of the beach, causing conflict between swimmers and water sports users.

Silverstrand beach has long been a magnet for visitors to Galway city. By banning water sports, this will impact on local businesses that rely on these tourists.

The Blue flag which Silverstrand proudly claims, requires zoning of beaches that support multiple activities, ensuring swimmers and water sports users can coexist peacefully and safely. Galway City Council currently do not zone any of its beaches, making it the only local authority along the Wild Atlantic Way without such a management approach. 

In September 2025, local City Councillors adopted Motion NOM:58/2025. We are now formally requesting that Galway City Council management proceed with its implementation. The motion reads as follows:

1. That Galway City Council develops a Beach Management and Zoning plan (that fully meets Criterion 30 of the Blue Flag beach criteria document) for all Galway City Beaches.
2.  That Galway City Council engages with all stakeholders to develop Zoning plans and maps for all Galway City Beaches (consistent with Criterion 5 and Criterion 30 of the Blue Flag beach criteria document) that allows for dedicated launch zones, improved access routes to the water, and provides for safe, inclusive use of our beaches for swimmers, water-sports and beach users.

Since September 2025, the local water sports groups have met with Galway City Council management on four occasions with no resolution to the ban. We call upon Galway City Council to implement the motions, to remove the signs banning water sports and to Zone Silverstrand beach (for non-motorised watercraft). By aligning with Blue Flag criteria and international best practice, this will provide for safe, inclusive use of our beaches for swimmers, water sports and beach users. 

We are asking for your support, the support of our elected representatives, and the Galway West by-election candidates to ensure that Silverstrand beach is Zoned prior to the start of the 2026 bathing season. 

Your support is crucial in safeguarding a treasured local beach for swimmers, water sports users, families and visitors alike for future generations.