Speaking today Mountaineering Ireland CEO Liam Feeley said “It’s fantastic news that climbers are again free to climb in Dalkey at their own risk, as people have done for many decades. I want to thank the Mountaineering Ireland staff and volunteers who worked with the council over the last seven weeks to resolve this matter, also the Mountaineering Ireland members who contacted elected representatives and the council seeking to have the ban on climbing lifted.”
Liam added “Mountaineering Ireland is grateful to the council officers, management and elected representatives who have engaged with us on this issue. We look forward to ongoing collaboration with the council regarding the management and promotion of responsible recreation in Dalkey Quarry.”
The council has designed the new signage to ensure that all visitors to Dalkey Quarry are fully informed of the potential hazards, while also supporting responsible access to this valued outdoor space.
Rock climbing has taken place in the quarry for almost 100 years. Due to its accessible location, variety of quality routes, and beautiful setting overlooking Dublin Bay, Dalkey Quarry is the busiest and arguably most important rock climbing venue in Ireland. It has been described as the crucible of Irish mountaineering, with generations of people having their first climbing experience in Dalkey Quarry.
Arrangements are being clarified for training providers and commercial activity providers who wish to work in Dalkey Quarry. Providers will be required to complete an application form seeking a 12-month permission and to have a site-specific risk assessment and public liability insurance in place. Mountaineering Ireland understands that the council will not be charging a fee for such licences. For more information see https://www.dlrcoco.ie/.
All those who visit Dalkey Quarry are reminded that amendments to the Occupiers’ Liability Act passed in 2023 limit the duty of care that DLRCC and other landowners owe to people who enter on to their property to engage in climbing or other recreational activities. The amended legislation provides for voluntary assumption of risk, embedding in law a long-established principle that participants in outdoor recreational activity take responsibility for their own actions and their own safety. For more see - https://www.mountaineering.ie/_files/DRCD_Recreation-in-Irelands-Outdoors-A5-FINAL.pdf