Pets will be restricted from parts of Donegal’s most popular beaches this summer under new rules for Blue Flag beaches.
New rules will come into force this bathing season (starting 1st June) to control beach access for dogs and other pets. Assistance dogs will not be restricted.
From 11am to 7pm each day from 1st June to 15th September, dogs will only be allowed in pet-friendly zones on 10 Blue Flag beaches and two other beaches that it is hoped will gain Blue Flags in the coming years: Rossnowlagh, Murvagh, Fintra, Portnoo/Narin, An Charraig Fhinn (Carrickfinn), Trá na Cille (Killahoey), Marblehill, Na Dúnaibh (Downings), Portsalon, Rathmullan, Lisfannan and Culdaff.
The restricted areas will include the area supervised by beach lifeguards plus a buffer either side.
Donegal County Council said that Bundoran and Stroove beaches do not have sufficient space to fulfil the compliance with the Blue Flag criteria and allow for an additional area for pet access. Pets will only be allowed on the two beaches before 11am and after 7pm each day.
“In the case of both beaches there are ample local alternative beaches and walks for pet owners and their pets to enjoy,” a statement from the council said.
The changes come after An Taisce stated that dogs must be kept off Blue Flag beaches if they want to retain their environmental status.
“With a coastline of over 1100 km, County Donegal is blessed with many beautiful sandy beaches and Donegal currently has the joint highest number of Blue Flags nationally with 12 beaches in the county holding the award.
“To retain these iconic awards, Donegal County Council is putting in place arrangements to allow pet owners to continue to enjoy beaches while limiting pet access to certain areas of certain beaches at certain times during the bathing season. These arrangements were presented at the Council’s Climate Action and Environment Strategic Policy Committee on 26th January 2022,” the statement said.
“Donegal County Council will implement these measures for the 2022 Bathing Season. In parallel with this the Council will be undertaking a public consultation on incorporating the changes into the existing bye-laws relating to beaches. There will be further awareness campaigns to keep the public informed of the specific changes at these beaches.”
