Revised Beach Bye-Laws Are Enforced In Clare

The Clare County Council Beach Bye-Laws 2008 include a relaxation of the prohibition on dogs at various locations, on the spot fine increases, and an extension of the licensing function on beach and water related activities.

The regulations, which came into force on 22 May following widespread consultation, are designed to protect beach eco-systems and to regulate the ever increasing variety of beach uses, to ensure that all beach users can enjoy the beauty and amenity of County Clare’s beaches equally.

Areas covered by the bye-laws include littering, lighting of fires, removal of beach materials and protected species; nuisance; the bringing onto and parking of vehicles on beaches; camping on beaches; trading; control of animals; commercial filming; and regulation on the use of motorized craft and of water sports activities.

The bye-laws apply to the beaches at Bishopsquarter (Ballyvaughan), Fanore, Doolin Harbour Beach, Trá Leathan (Doolin), Lahinch, Whitestrand (Miltown Malbay), Spanish Point, Doughmore (Doonbeg), Whitestrand (Doonbeg), Carrigaholt, Brew’s Bridge (Kilrush), Ballycuggeran (Killaloe) and Mountshannon. Clare County Council is working in partnership with An Garda Síochána in the implementation of the bye-laws.

In welcoming the bye-laws Cllr. Tommy Brennan, Chair of the Environment, Emergency Services and Consumer Protection Strategic Policy Committee, said "While the prohibition on bringing dogs on to beaches in the 13 designated Bye-Law locations is to remain in place, I warmly welcome the proposal to relax the prohibition at promenades and public carparks. I also welcome the requirement that dog owners keep their animals on a leash in the interests of public safety."

Commenting on the impact of the Beach Bye-laws since they were first introduced on 1 June 2006, Mr. Sean Ward, Senior Engineer, Environment Directorate, stated, "The approach taken during the 2006 season was to raise awareness and educate rather than to impose strict legal sanctions. A campaign of public awareness was launched through the press and local radio. Signage with pictorial as well as verbal content was erected at all locations."

"During the 2007 season, the enforcement approach ensued. The Council's Environmental Patrol Wardens were the main agents of enforcement, assisted in Lahinch by the local traffic warden. The Water Safety Officer made frequent visits at weekends to all the beaches covered by the Bye-Laws while assistance was also received from the Gardaí when required", he said.

Mr. Ward stated that the Beach Bye-Laws were well observed by beach users.

A total of 14 fines issued with the majority relating to for driving, bringing, placing on, or leaving vehicles on the beach or dune system appurtenant to the beach. Three fines were issued for animal related offences.

He added that the bye-laws had greatly assisted Clare County Council and An Garda Síochána in ridding the county’s coastal amenity areas of nuisances.

"It is necessary to continue to implement these bye-laws in the interest of safety of persons using our beaches, to properly manage different beach activities, to protect the ecology of sensitive habitats and to ensure continuing success in achieving Blue Flag Status for our beaches. These bye-laws will continue to assist the many thousands of visitors using our beaches", concluded Mr. Ward.

Gerard Dollard, Director of Services, Environment and Emergency Services Directorate, commented, "We will promote the new arrangement through additional signs and information boards at our beaches. We look forward to the co-operation of the public in the operation of the reviewed bye-laws".

Copies of the bye-laws are available for public inspection at Environment and Emergency Services Directorate, Áras Contae an Chláir, Environment Section, Block B, New Road, Ennis; at the Council Area Offices at Ennistymon, Kilrush and Tulla, and on the council website www.clarecoco.clare.ie.

Copies of the bye-laws may be purchased from the Environment and Emergency Services Directorate for €3 per copy.

-ENDS-

Note To Editor:
For further information please contact Nicola Cullinan, Senior Staff Officer, Environment and Emergency Services Directorate on 065 6846 331; or Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 086-8534900

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
www.dunphypr.com
00353-868534900 (mobile)
00353-656839692 (fax)