A dispute over hosting the historic Liffey Swim has led to two separate events being organised this month, with Leinster Open Sea and Swim Ireland each planning their own swim due to governance disagreements.
Leinster Open Sea, which has run the event in recent years, scheduled their Liffey Swim for September 21, while Swim Ireland announced a competing event for this Saturday, September 7, after mediation talks failed.
Stakeholders in the swimming community face a dilemma about participating in either event, with Swim Ireland citing governance concerns and the desire to maintain event standards, while Leinster Open Sea accuses Swim Ireland of attempting to take over the Liffey Swim.
Dublin City Council stated it would issue licenses for both events if no objections from statutory agencies are raised, while the Lord Mayor of Dublin called for unity, suggesting that holding a single Liffey Swim would be preferable for the city and participants.
