“I believe we have put the cart before the horse”
Fianna Fail Councillor Stephen McKee is calling on Meath County Council to end the ban on parking cars on Bettystown beach until a suitable alternative is in place.
“A review of the current beach car ban is coming up at the end of this month and I am calling on the ban on cars on Bettstown beach to be reversed as we head towards the busy Summer season” McKee stated.
“The proposal for the removal of cars from the beach, included in ‘The Beach Management Plan’ and adopted locally, commits to the removal of cars on a phased basis but subject to the identification and provision of alternative car parking in the area. This objective has clearly yet to be met.”
“As a consequence of this premature ban, there has been and continues to be traffic problems not only in Bettystown and Laytown but also up at Mornington where there is literally a free for all with cars blocking people’s homes and doing great damage to the dunes and the Special Conservation Area.”
“I have consistently said that over time we should try to work towards a beach free from cars to enhance the beach environment and make it safer for children, but this should only be done with the provision of alternative parking.
“I have proposed that Meath County Council use the section of land on the Golf Links Road at the back of the barber’s shop as an ideal location for beach-front parking allowing people direct access to the beach.
“Walkways and boardwalks could be put in too along with public lighting to make the area safer for everyone. I am also asking for car-parking to be provided at Mornington beach to solve the parking issues at that end of the beach and to protect the Special Conservation Area.”
“In completely closing off Bettystown beach with no practical alternatives in place for parking, I believe we have put the cart before the horse. We should recognise the needs of all and prioritise those who get real benefit from being able to access the beach and which has a huge positive impact on their quality of life” McKee concluded.
