Dollymount Strand faces increasing drug-related incidents

Lifeguards at Dollymount Strand, a popular beach in Dublin, are facing serious issues with antisocial behavior and drug paraphernalia. They have been given a special sharps bin to safely dispose of syringes found along the shore. Recent reports show that a man overdosed in the dunes, and another man mysteriously washed ashore. There have also been complaints about a man using a drone near children. These incidents were detailed in lifeguard logbooks that Dublin City Council tried to keep private. Previous log entries revealed troubling activities. Lifeguards noted cases of people pricked by syringes, public indecency, and stalking. There were also incidents of underage drinking and fires set in the dunes. In the summers of 2022 and 2023, issues of drug use continued, with lifeguards now better equipped to handle the situation. In February 2022, a man explained that he had washed up on the beach and needed medical help. Lifeguards have responded to situations involving drugs, fights, and even a bike accident involving an elderly woman. Despite the challenges, Dollymount Strand remains highly rated, coming in as Dublin's second-best beach on Tripadvisor. In the past, the council removed an old lifeguard hut due to ongoing problems with litter and nighttime gatherings. The Irish Mirror obtained the logbooks after a lengthy effort to encourage the council to release them, following direction from a government office. The council did not comment on the matter.