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06 Sept 2025

ESB warning about swimming in reservoirs across Kildare and Wicklow

Alert ahead of bathing season

Many families who lived at Poulaphouca Reservoir moved to Kildare

Photo of Poulaphouca on the Kildare/Wicklow border

Ahead of the June bank holiday weekend, ESB has reminded the general public of the dangers and potentially serious consequences of swimming in any ESB reservoir such as Poulaphouca in County Wicklow and Golden Falls and Leixlip in County Kildare.

Martin Stronge, Senior Manager, Hydro Operations said: “It is important that people heed the safety warnings visible on signs posted around ESB reservoirs.

"Our reservoirs are not appropriate for swimming due to the risk of deep and fast-flowing waters, changing water levels and uneven ground which pose serious safety risks to members of the public.”

“Remember to prioritise your safety and the safety of others by choosing safer swimming locations, such as swimming pools or beaches with designated lifeguards.”

These waters include the ESB reservoirs at: 

  • Poulaphouca in County Wicklow
  • Golden Falls and Leixlip in County Kildare
  • Inniscarra and Carrigadrohid in County Cork
  • The Ardnacrusha headrace and tailrace canal in County Clare
  • Assaroe, Lough Nacung and Lough Dunlewey in County Donegal

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