ENVIRONMENTAL campaigners may take Donegal County Council to the European courts over the organisation’s refusal to implement European laws to a beach and bathing area in Inishowen.
Mr Craig has written to the council insisting that the council is legally-bound to designate a bathing area at Carnagarve – between Greencastle and Moville.
“In view of the recent coming into law of EC bathing water directive 2006/7/EC, we respectfully request that our traditional bathing area be designated as required for protection under the provisions of this directive,” Mr Craig told the council in a letter released last night.
“In support of our application, we declare that this bathing area, located along the shoreline of Lough Foyle between the towns of Moville and Greencastle, has been in use from time immemorial by both local people and visitors. The beach is located at the end of a Council maintained access road, Lafferty’s Lane, which leads from the main Moville Greencastle road. We attach herewith, photographs taken in recent years clearly illustrating the popularity of this bathing area with both bathers and other water sports enthusiasts. They also show the picnic area and lifebelt provided by the Donegal County Council as amenities for beach users.
“Our hope eventually is to attain Blue Flag status for the beach and its contiguous neighbours as amenities are provided in the short term. This protective designation will significantly boost efforts to improve other tourist amenities in the area as well.”
The Campaign for a Clean Estuary group has opposed plans for a sewage disposal plant at the site.
The council said in a letter back to Mr Craig in January 2013 however the body doesn’t have the money to do it!
Here’s what they said a year ago: