Mobile Saunas May Expand As Cold-Water Swimming Surges In Popularity

Mobile beach saunas could soon become a regular sight along parts of the Causeway Coast and Glens as councillors prepare to discuss a report highlighting a surge in demand for the facilities.

A paper going before the Leisure and Development Committee next week sets out proposals to expand provision following the success of a trial unit at Benone Strand – the first of its kind in Northern Ireland.

The move comes amid a sharp rise in interest in cold-water swimming, which is increasingly practised year-round.

Advocates point to health benefits linked to alternating between sea dips and sauna heat, something the council says aligns with its strategy of promoting “resilient, healthy and engaging communities”.

Ten sites shortlisted

Council officers have compiled a list of ten coastal locations under their management that could host mobile saunas. These include:

• Benone Strand

• Whiterocks

• Downhill Strand

• Salmon Rock, Portballintrae

• Castlerock Beach

• Ballycastle

• West Strand, Portrush

• Cushendall

• East Strand, Portrush

• Waterfoot

The sites were chosen based on accessibility, bathing water quality, safety and the availability of nearby facilities.

However, officials stress the list will be narrowed further to avoid “over-saturation” and to ensure any provision remains commercially viable.

Next steps

Under planning regulations, any change of use exceeding 28 days per year requires formal approval. The council intends to submit applications for selected sites, with planning and preparation costs estimated at £2,000 per location.

If successful, an expression of interest process will be launched to test demand from private operators, followed by an auction to award contracts. The aim is to have the scheme operational by April 2026.

The report notes an estimated overall budget of £20,000, though this is not currently included in the council’s spending plans.

Any change of use lasting more than 28 days per year requires planning permission. The council intends to apply for approval at selected sites, with anticipated costs of around £2,000 per location.

If permission is granted, an expression of interest will be launched to assess demand from private operators. A competitive procurement process by auction would then follow.

The aim is to have mobile saunas in place by April 2026.

Councillors are being asked to note the report when they meet on 16 September.