There has been much debate on whether cars should be banned from Bettystown Beach
Bettystown Beach is to remain car free until September.
The Environment Special Policy Committee of Meath County Council today decided to retain the current prohibition on cars on the beaches of Mornington, Bettystown, Laytown and Gormanston.
The beaches in Meath have been closed to vehicles since March following huge crowds descending on the beaches during the Covid-19 lockdown of the country.
Meath County Council confirmed at the Environment SPC that they had received a very large volume of emails from the public asking that the beach remain car free.
Two online petitions that were launched last month resulted in over 4500 members of the public supporting the ban on cars, while 383 people supported a return for drivers to the Meath beaches.
The Environment SPC today agreed to extend the ban on vehicles and to review the matter at their next meeting in September.
Local Fine Gael Councillor Sharon Tolan has today welcomed the decision.
Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Tolan said:
“This is a really great day for the people of Meath, but especially the people of East Meath, who have traditionally avoided the local beaches during the busy summer period because of traffic volumes and litter.
“Nobody should have to negotiate traffic on a beach. This decision will ensure that families, elderly and those with disabilities can visit the beach in a much safer manner.
“Of course, we have parking issues, the same parking issues that seaside towns and villages everywhere have, and I remain committed to finding solutions for those.
“We now have use of the Colaiste na hInse car park, and I would like to thank the local Principal Anne Marie McCarrick, and indeed the CE of LMETB Martin O’Brien for their support and enthusiasm in offering their facilities as a solution for the community.
“We still have a way to go but I am confident that with the right signage and further solutions, that we can ensure we never again see another car on the beaches of Meath.”