asked the Minister for Local Government whether local authorities have power to forbid persons of one sex to bathe in the sea during particular hours; and, if so, if he will state the Act conferring such power and in particular the power purported to be exercised by the County Secretary in respect of the public bathing place at Skerries, County Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sea Bathing Restrictions.
26.
Mr. Ryan
Sanitary authorities may make bye-laws under Section 41 of the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act, 1948, for the regulation of public bathing within their sanitary district or in coastal waters adjoining their sanitary district. I am advised that a reasonable provision covering the exclusive use of bathing places by persons of the same sex during specified hours could be included in such bye-laws. I am having inquiries made about the position in Skerries, County Dublin, and I shall communicate with the Deputy in due course.