DONEGAL’S canine fraternity has blasted plans to ban dogs from blue flag beaches during peak summertime hours.

Donegal County Council will table proposals this week that could see such a prohibition come into force.

The move comes following a directive issued by An Taisce. The heritage charity has written to all local authorities advising that dogs will have to be kept off blue flag beaches during bathing season if they wish to retain the prized international environmental award.

An Taisce, which operates the blue flag programme in Ireland, said it had been requested by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) to advise councils of the rules.

The decree applies when the flag is flying during the bathing season which runs from June 1 to September 15. The objective is to keep dogs separate from areas used by bathers during bathing season for health and safety reasons.

There are 93 blue flag bathing areas in Ireland, 12 of them in Donegal – Bundoran, Rossnowlagh, Murvagh, Fintra, Narin (Portnoo), Carrickfinn, Killahoey (Dunfanaghy), Marblehill, Portsalon (Magherawarden), Shroove, Culdaff and Downings.

Dogs, except assistance dogs, are already banned from blue flag beaches under current FEE criteria. But this has not always been policed.

Following An Taisce’s warning though Donegal County Council has confirmed plans to limit dog access to “certain areas of certain beaches at certain times”. The proposals will be discussed when the Climate Action and Environment Strategic Policy Committee meets later this week.

“To retain our valued blue flag beaches Donegal County Council must fully comply each year with the criteria set by FEE and is subject to inspections throughout the bathing season for compliance,” said a spokesperson.

“With a coastline of over 1,100km Donegal is blessed with many beautiful sandy beaches and currently has the joint highest number of blue flags nationally.

“To retain these iconic awards Donegal County Council is progressing arrangements to allow dog owners to continue to enjoy beaches while limiting dog access to certain areas of certain beaches at certain times during the bathing season.

“Proposals in this regard will be brought before the Council’s Climate Action and Environment Strategic Policy Committee.

“As these plans progress to protect our blue flag accolades there will be further awareness and public consultation to keep the public informed of any changes at these beaches. It should be noted that responsible dog owners and their dogs will continue to be welcome on these beaches outside of lifeguarded hours.”

Libby Wilson runs the Facebook page ‘Dog Lovers Donegal’, a discussion forum which has followers from all over the world.

She said it would be “devastating” if some beaches become canine no-go areas.

“As a dog lover and I know this goes for all dog lovers out there, it would be heartbreaking if we couldn’t bring our pets on holiday with us,” said Ms Wilson.

“We all see our dogs as part of the family and in many cases people plan their holiday around their pet by looking beforehand for dog-friendly pubs, restaurants and coffee shops. It is a growing trend and was particularly so during lockdown, so I think a move like this would be devastating for tourism in Donegal.

“I’ve had people contact me to say they can take their dog on holiday to England or Scotland no problem. Here in Ireland we are only now catching up so to do this would be a huge blow not only to dog owners but businesses as well.”