Water Safety

Tuesday, 14 July 2026

Questions (29, 43)

Mark Wall

Question:

29. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the current funding allocated by his Department to raise awareness on water safety. [53132/26]

View answer

43. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will increase his Department’s funding allocation to Water Safety Ireland to support its critical work in saving lives. [53186/26]

View answer

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht

I propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 43 together.

Water Safety Ireland (WSI) is the statutory, voluntary body and registered charity established to promote water safety and reduce drownings in Ireland. WSI has statutory responsibility for the promotion of public awareness of water safety; advancement of education related to the prevention of accidents in water; instruction in water safety; and the establishment of national standards for lifeguards.

Funding from my Department to Water Safety Ireland has more than doubled since 2022. I secured a 20% increase in funding for WSI in 2026, rising from €2,492,000 in 2025 to €2,992,000 in 2026.

WSI has used this funding to establish new training and education programmes, to run large-scale and targeted awareness campaigns, and to develop partnerships and expertise. My Department will continue to support WSI as it further develops its education, training and awareness raising activities.