A group of Portnoo locals have united to challenge a new blockade at their beloved beach this summer.
Castlegoland Beach is situated just beyond the golf links in Portnoo and for as long as people can remember it has been accessed by the public road and right-of-way.
However, there was shock in recent weeks after the routes were restricted by the erection of a barrier and an electric fence.
Fence at Castlegoland Beach
The issue has arisen shortly after the ownership of Narin and Portnoo Golf Links (NPGL) changed hands and underwent a re-design.
Two measures were taken to block the public from Castlegoland Beach. An open gate was replaced with a new barrier to make the access road impassable.
This was followed by the erection of a four wire electric fence around the perimeter of the property.
A local action group has said the public is now being “deprived” of their entitlement to use the public beach.
‘Save our Castlegoland Beach’ campaigners came together this month to hold a public meeting and plan ways to challenge the blocks.
A public meeting was held on Saturday, 6th of July, as a result of which over one hundred people wrote to Donegal County Council demanding action to remedy the position.
A statement from the group said that the lack of response and urgency from Donegal County Council is “extremely disappointing” at the busiest time of the year for beaches.
The next step for the group is a Protest Walk, taking place on Saturday 27th July at 5pm, starting from Narin Strand.
