DOGS will be allowed on ten of Donegal’s blue flag beaches via a series of ‘canine corridors’ being developed by the local council.
The plans were relayed to members of the Climate Action and Environment Strategic Policy Committee following a week of debate and backlash.
Heritage body An Taisce wrote to all local authorities recently advising that if they want to retain blue flag status then dogs will have to be kept off beaches during the bathing season. With 12 beaches Donegal currently has the joint highest number of blue flags in the state – Bundoran, Rossnowlagh, Murvagh, Fintra, Narin (Portnoo), Carrickfinn, Killahoey (Dunfanaghy), Marblehill, Portsalon (Magherawarden), Shroove, Culdaff and Downings.
The directive sparked a furious reaction from dog lovers, many of whom claimed that it was tantamount to a ban.
But in a bid to navigate around the controversial order Donegal County Council has revealed plans for ‘corridors’ on ten of its prized beaches – areas where pet owners will still be able to walk their dogs during the June 1 to September 15 bathing season.
Wet and wild…This pup was making splash and enjoying every moment of it. Source: Dog Lovers Donegal
Due to their lay-out two beaches, Bundoran and Shroove, will be off limits during peak summer between 11am and 7pm. But dog walkers will be allowed access outside those hours and at all times outside the June 1 to September 15 window. The local authority also pointed to facilities nearby to the two beaches – Roguey Walk and Tullan Strand in Bundoran and Inishowen Head, Wee White Bay and Sweet Nellie’s at Shroove – which they say are still very suitable for dog walking.
Donegal County Council intends to implement the new regulations this summer, 2022, with an official by-law in place for the following year.
Committee members told the meeting they had been inundated with calls from people on both sides of the argument. But they also welcomed the plans being drawn up.
Chairperson Councillor Gary Doherty said it was important that the matter was handled properly.
“This has been a divisive issue and I’ve received representations from both sides.
“There are very strong opinions and it’s important that we reach a compromise that is acceptable to everyone,” Councillor Doherty said, thanking the department for their efforts in finding a resolution.
Come on in, the water’s lovely…Another cracking shot posted to the Donegal Dog Lovers Facebook page.
Councillor Barry Sweeny said he felt it was a “really good compromise”.
“Looking at the presentation, it seems that in most places you have this 200 metre stretch, a patrolled zone in terms of lifeguards. But there is a lot of mileage outside of that which all dog owners can use.”
On the question of who will police the beaches, Councillor Sweeny suggested introducing wardens.
“I don’t know who is going to police this but I don’t think it should be left to the lifeguards because their job is saving lives. I think possibly a warden or a caretaker of some sort, someone who could monitor dog fouling, littering and water craft.”
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