The Cathaoirleach of the South Drogheda-East Meath Municipal District, Cllr Stephen McKee, is strongly supporting an application for Bettystown beach to be considered for Blue Flag status, a decision on which will be made in May.
McKee said: “I am fully supporting Meath County Council’s application for Bettystown beach to be classed under Blue Flag Status” Cllr. McKee said.
“The Blue Flag is an international environmental award made to beaches that demonstrate excellent environmental standards with high sanitary and safety facilities. It is something we should be pursuing for Bettystown beach to promote tourism and as a quality amenity for local people.
“The upcoming opening of the new Civic & Library building in Bettystown will provide much-needed facilities for beach users. I am pleased that the plan is for a designated blue-flag beach area where dogs, except for guide dogs, will be barred from at particular times of the day.
“The proposal is that a section of beach on entry onto Bettystown beach (the soft sand area) will become the blue-flag beach area. This is where families with children and others normally go on Summer beach days. Dogs would be restricted from this area between 11am and 7pm between the months of June to September. Outside of these hours, no restrictions would apply.
“I think the approach is very reasonable to everyone. I recently tabled a motion calling for the greater control of animals, and dogs in particular, on our local beaches and this was adopted by the Council. So this progress follows on the back of my motion.
“The vast majority of dog owners are very responsible but people do tell me of bad experiences they or family members have had with dogs that are not being properly controlled by their owners.
“Unfortunately, many people now have a genuine fear of going to the beach and even taking their own dogs to the beach because they are afraid of being attacked by a loose animal. Furthermore, we have an issue with dangerous breeds being allowed to roam the beach without muzzles on. It is unfair particularly on young children and senior citizens who are most vulnerable.
“With Meath County Council seeking Blue Flag status for Bettystown beach, strict criteria will have to be met relating to the proper control of animals on the beach as this impacts also on water quality” continued McKee.
“As a dog-owner myself, I want to see a beach that is safe and accommodating for all so I am pleased with the approach being taken by the Council to achieve Blue Flag status for Bettystown beach.
“Improving signage and properly enforcing any new restrictions on animals on the beach will be key also not to mention the need to provide more convenient, car parking spaces in both Bettystown and Laytown which I hope can also happen in the near future” concluded McKee.
