Strand down... Bettystown staying car free until September
The Environment Special Policy Committee of Meath Co Council last Friday 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 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.
“This decision will ensure that families, elderly and those with disabilities can visit the beach in a much safer manner.
“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.”
Meanwhile progress has been made for the new Bettystown Library as Part 8 Planning for the new building commenced last week.
The planning documents will be on display at Meath County Council Headquarters in Buvinda House in Navan, along with a model of the building.
The new architecturally designed building will include a lifeguard station, public toilets and disability facilities on the ground floor, with two floors of public library, community meeting rooms, study room, multipurpose rooms and staff areas.
The plans and particulars of the proposed development will be available for inspection or purchase from Wednesday 1st July to Wednesday 29th July during office opening hours in Navan.