A Halloween bonfire has caused considerable damage and left a lasting mark on Clogherhead’s Blue Flag beach.

Despite efforts from Council staff to prevent such incidents, the bonfire burned mattresses, sofas, tyres, and wooden pallets, leaving behind metal frames, wires, and other hazardous debris.

Local councillor Declan Power, expressed serious concern over the damage to the beach and the impact on local environment.

“Activities like this cannot be permitted on a Blue Flag beach” Cllr. Power said. “We all have a duty of care to this beautiful coastline.”

“Providing items such as sofas and mattresses for a bonfire is simply unacceptable. Louth County Council runs an excellent ‘Mattress and Sofa Amnesty Programme’ every year, allowing these items to be disposed of safely at recycling centres across the county.”

Cllr. Power suggested exploring the idea of having designated, controlled bonfire locations, with strict guidelines on materials allowed, to help prevent further environmental harm.

"While enforcement remains challenging, a safer, organised approach could help protect our beaches from these preventable damages. Nobody wants to be the villain when it comes to these type of traditions. A controlled, family oriented, safe location with less hazardous material, is probably the best solution,” he suggested.

Senior Engineer Mark Johnston of Louth County Council confirmed that Council teams are prioritising debris removal.

“Our staff are committed to removing hazardous waste each year, often under difficult conditions. Unfortunately, our crews have faced aggressive actions in the past, including incidents where van windows were broken,” Johnston stated.

“We will move quickly to clear Clogherhead beach of any remaining debris and will assess the need for water testing, though initial assessments suggest it may not be required.”