Despite the promise of strict new beach management laws, it seems that Inishowen's shorelines will remain largely unprotected for the remainder of the summer holidays.
In a report to the July meeting of the Inishowen Electoral Area Committee of Donegal County Council, Senior Engineer Con McLaughlin confirmed that slow progress is being made in drafting the new regulations. The delays have been due to the need to ta
ke legal advice on a number of important issues.
“It is hoped that the new bye-laws will give the Gardaí an extra tool to deal with unsociable behaviour on the beaches,” he told the committee.
All senior officers in the peninsula have been given a copy of the draft byelaws and have been asked to give their views on them to council officials. Mr McLaughlain said that, to date the feedback has been positive.
He added: “It is envisaged that the role of the lifeguards will be proactive, reporting offenders and giving advice/direction to beach users with regard to the byelaws whilst not becoming involved with the actual enforcement or the issuing of fines.”
Grateful
Committee Chair Colr Bernard McGuinness thanked Mr McLaughlin for the report, and said he was grateful that problems are being dealt with with greater efficiency since the appointment of the new beach manager.
“I want to put on record my appreciation to beach manager Kevin McCloskey who came down to Culdaff one morning following extensive vandalism the night before on the sand dunes. There had been damage to fencing and this was repaired very quickly. I’m also glad to see that there has been a very strong, positive reaction to the unsocial behaviour of some people using jet skis in a way which poses a real dangers to bathers. These reckless people are similar to boy racers, there are just a few but they tarnish the reputation of the rest who are careful and reponsible.
Colrs Dermot McLaughlin and Marian McDonald said they both wished to be associated with Colr McGuinness’s comments.
Colr McLaughlin added: “It’s vital to get these new laws in force as soon as possible. There are a lot of problems associated with beaches, and we need clarification of who’s responsible for dealing with the various issues, especially litter and quads or other vehicles on the beaches.
Colr McDonald agreed: “We’ve had a lot of problems with litter and quads at Stroove, but thankfully the quads problem seems to have gone now.”
The full article contains 419 words and appears in Journal Friday newspaper.
