Falcarragh farmer calls out incident which damaged protected dunes

A LOCAL farmer has expressed outrage after what he called a “disgraceful” incident on the beaches of Falcarragh.

The incident, which occurred on Sunday, November 9, saw a group of 30 horses with riders, accompanied by 20 dogs, travel in convoy from Ballyness Bay to Drumnatinny beach.

In doing so, the group crossed through a designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC), an area meant to protect local wildlife and biodiversity.

The farmer, who witnessed the event, believes the group did not belong to a local hunt and suspects they travelled from outside the county.

“They trampled on the sand dunes and the dogs were barking the whole time,” he said.

In their wake he said they left visible tracks on the dunes, damaged fences and caused distress to his own sheep as well as those of neighbouring farmers.

Ballyness Bay is part of a SAC, because it is home to a variety of local wildlife, including geese, ducks and other wild birds.

The farmer expressed particular concern for the area’s wildlife, highlighting the fact that many local farmers are part of the ACRES scheme, which aims to protect the natural environment.

He said that the sand dunes are on private land and around a dozen local farmers were affected.

He also pointed out that the Water European Innovation Partnership (EIP) scheme in the area restricts farmers from using their dogs to herd sheep, in an effort to safeguard breeding waders.

The farmer stressed that tourists are very welcome and said there are no issues with going along the beach which stretches over 4km.

“The beach is wide enough, but for them to go along the sand dunes is devastating.”

Local councillor Michael McClafferty also raised the issue at a recent meeting of the Glenties Municipal District.

The independent councillor also described the conduct as “totally unacceptable”.

He also suggested that in future, measures to prevent vehicles and animals from entering the dunes should be implemented.