Mobile saunas coming to a beach near you?

By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council meeting

Mobile saunas are popular at beaches and lakesides, but regulations vary. Wexford County Council discussed this issue at their monthly meeting today, and significant changes may be coming down the tracks! Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach, chaired the meeting.

County Wexford bans mobile beachside saunas. Chris Mortimer of sweathouse.ie was asked to relocate to private land despite initial approval from Wexford County Council for a beach sauna. He discussed his situation on Newstalk. 

Cllr Joe Sullivan has been advocating for mobile saunas at Wexford beaches by proposing changes to seaside by-laws during a few district meetings. He raised the matter again today at the County Council meeting at Wexford.

Cllr Sullivan said he doesn’t understand why the blanket ban is in place. “As I can see, these mobile saunas are a welcome addition to our beaches. They’re a further attraction, they’re helping tourism, they pose no danger, they’re not interfering with any other service provider.”

Cllr Sullivan stated that he would expect all mobile sauna providers to have their own public liability insurance, so he cannot see what the issue is?

“Beaches are a natural asset,” stated Cllr Sullivan, who added that bye-laws be amended to accommodate properly constructed and properly insured mobile saunas on our beaches.

Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe replied that the matter of mobile saunas is being considered by the environment and planning departments, however, he added that from a personal view he would look favourable on allowing mobile saunas on Wexford’s beaches. Deputy Executive Eamonn Hore added that he agreed with the Chief Executive on mobile saunas.