The popular paddling pool on Donaghadee seafront has been closed for a second time this week after councillors said suspected vandalism left the facility damaged just days after it was emptied and cleaned following a green-water incident.
Precautionary action after children reported ill
Earlier in the week the open-air paddling pool at Lemons Wharf was seen on social media to contain vivid green water. Local parents reported that children had been unwell after using the pool, prompting Ards and North Down Borough Council to act.
Rather than wait for laboratory testing, council officials commissioned contractors to drain, scrub and refill the pool on public-health grounds. Councillors said the pool is fed from mains water and would be emptied and refreshed more frequently during the warm spell to keep the water from discolouration.
“If anyone who has recently used the paddling pool feels unwell or develops symptoms they are concerned about, I would encourage them to seek appropriate medical advice.”
The comment, urging anyone feeling ill to seek medical advice, was made by James Cochrane, deputy mayor and DUP councillor, as councillors tried to reassure residents while they investigated the cause of the contamination.
Vandalism forces second closure
Two days after the pool was refilled and reopened, the council announced it was closed again. A photograph posted by the authority appeared to show a section of the pool surface had been torn or broken, leaving an obvious crack.
In a briefing the council said:
“The facility will remain closed while the damage is assessed and necessary repairs are completed. We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience and understanding.”
Officials added that the pool will remain out of use while staff assess the extent of the damage and arrange repairs. Normally the facility is a busy summer attraction for young families on the seafront.
Timeline of events
| Day | What happened |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Water seen very green; parents report children unwell; council closes pool |
| Wednesday | Pool emptied, cleaned and refilled; council says mains water supply used and cleaning will be more frequent in warm weather |
| Friday | Pool closed again after suspected vandalism discovered; damage under assessment |
What residents need to know
- The paddling pool at Lemons Wharf in Donaghadee is currently closed; the reopening date will depend on the outcome of repair assessments.
- Anyone who used the pool and subsequently feels unwell is advised to seek medical advice.
- Council officers have said the pool is supplied from mains water and will be emptied more frequently in hot weather to guard against discolouration or contamination.
Local leaders have urged patience while the council completes inspections and repairs. At present there has been no firm conclusion as to what caused the initial change in water colour; council spokeswoman previously said there did not appear to be any obvious bloom material to point to blue-green algae. The suspected vandalism is being treated separately and the council is arranging necessary remedial work.
Further updates will be provided by Ards and North Down Borough Council as investigations and repairs progress.
