THE RECENT (AND prolonged) heatwave has once again exposed how unprepared we are for 1.5 or 2 degrees of global warming.

Throughout Ireland, we lack the infrastructure and amenities to deal with temperatures reaching into the high 20s or 30s: Dublin is no exception.

And the lack of blue spaces is a perfect example.

The term ‘blue spaces’ encompasses any water body, such as a city’s coastline, natural or canalised rivers, or lakes and ponds, and while Dublin boasts iconic swim spots such as the Forty Foot and Vico Baths, overall, there is a clear lack of accessible and swimmable blue spaces.

As people headed for a swim along Dublin’s coastline during the most recent heatwave, the failure to make Dublin as swimmable as its European counterparts became apparent once more.

As a healthcare professional, I see the impacts of heat firsthand. Heat-related illnesses are rising among vulnerable populations: be it people living in poor quality housing, often without air conditioning; older people or children; people with medical comorbidities; or those who, for whatever reason, are unable to find shelter from the heat.

What makes this particularly frustrating is that Dublin sits on one of Europe’s most remarkable urban coastal environments. Dublin Bay is the world’s only capital city UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. From Howth to Dalkey and beyond, the sea is literally on the city’s doorstep.

Or should I say, on some people’s doorstep.

Many readers will think: “I live ten minutes from the sea. It is as accessible as it can be”. But for too many Dubliners, blue spaces, whether fresh or salt water, remain effectively inaccessible.

I live close to the city centre and am still a 25-minute cycle from Seapoint, the closest place I can consistently go for a swim (depending on the tide, of course).

The Forty Foot is a great bathing space, but it cannot hold all of Dublin for recreation. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

For people in the western parts of the city, getting to the sea can be a time-consuming and complicated ordeal. If you live in Crumlin, for instance, it is at least an hour by........

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