Car ban drives rise in number of Bettystown beachgoers

There has been a dramatic increase in the numbers using the beach at Bettystown since cars were banned from the beach last year, according to Cllr Sharon Tolan.

“There are large groups of swimmers from all over coming to swim here every day even in winter. So many sporting organisations use it for training. The posts for beach volleyball are in place and Meath Local Sports Partnership uses it for their activities.

“The dramatic increase in people using the beach is because it is so much safer, because there are no cars,” she said.

Cllr Tolan said it was important now that the Council liaise with all those groups using the beach.

At last week's meeting of Laytown/Bettystown Municipal District Council, Cllr Tolan was told that efforts to achieve Blue Flag status for Bettystown beach will be made as soon as the new library and changing facility is completed.

The project includes a beachfront library, community rooms, lifeguard and beach warden space, public toilets, disability toilets and changing facility. The facility will also house beach wheelchairs and mats to ensure the beach is accessible for all. She was told the infrastructure is a necessary requirement involved in achieving blue-flag status. Cllr Tolan had called on Meath County Council to carry out a mid-plan review of the current Beach Management Plan.

The plan, which was finalised in 2019, saw the banning of parking on the beach last summer.

A written report at last week's meeting outlined the aims of the plan - to improve beach access, beach parking management, tackle dog fouling, litter management, implement animal control, improve signage, increase beach tourism and activities in spring and summer and achieve Blue Flag status.

Cllr Tolan was told the recent decision to impose a permanent ban on cars from the beach at Bettystown has resulted in many of the objectives being achieved, particularly regarding accessibility.

“Litter management initiatives are being carried out on an ongoing basis, working with and supporting local communities,” according to the report.

“Tackling dog fouling presents on ongoing challenge and, particularly, in gathering evidence to initiate enforcement proceedings. However, the Council is continuing to combine educational and awareness campaigns with enforcement in an effort to tackle the problem.”

The meeting heard that the implementation of animal controls are being carried out in accordance with the amendments made to the 2010 Meath County Council Foreshore Bye-Laws, regarding horses and other animals.

“The provision of beach related signage is being examined in conjunction with tourism signage in the Public Realm Plan for the area and following discussions with Fáilte Ireland.”

Increasing beach tourism is being pursued on an ongoing basis, with high profile events such as the Yachting Championship and Beach Volleyball being held on the beach at Bettystown in recent times.

“The Council will continue to review the plan and discuss any proposed amendments with the various stakeholders, including the elected members and the Beach Management Plan Committee,” the report concluded.