Catherine Conlon: Why nothing beats a swim in the sea

Good open-air swimming facilities on rivers across Ireland have the potential to be transformative for physical, mental health, and well-being, writes Catherine Conlon

MEP Grace O'Sullivan in Myrtleville Co Cork. Picture: Siobhan Russell

Green Party MEP Grace O'Sullivan has taken advantage of the recent hot weather to highlight the opportunity for towns and cities on rivers to create “simple and safe outdoor swimming areas”.

Paddleboarding on the River Lee recently, Ms O’Sullivan said: “Lockdown showed us… people taking to the seashores and the rivers around our island trying to find spots within their local areas that they could access.”