IS BANNING CARS A STEP TOO FAR FOR BETTYSTOWN?

SOME local retailers have expressed grave reservations about taking all parking off Bettystown beach once a new Beach Management Plan has been agreed and alternative parking unearthed.

A series of submissions were forwarded to the council in respect of the proposals, which will go to the public for consideration, with many against the proposed car ban.

Cllr Paddy Meade felt that parking on the beach was a real thrill for many families who could just arrive and get out of their vehicles. ‘ That’s why some people go there,’ he stated. He feels if parking is found and people have to use shuttle buses to the beach it will put visitors off. ‘It would be easier to go to places like Seapoint then,’ he said.

The council feel banning the cars would be a significant improvement in safety. They say that it’s dangerous with lots of children and lots of cars.

The decision is likely to be influenced by a 2019 report due to be undertaken in respect of the overall parking situation in the area.

One local business owner, Marina Reddan from Reddans, feels that a common sense approach is needed to the car parking situation.

‘On a normal day, there isn’t an issue with car parking. Last Wednesday, I went for a walk and there were about 20 cars parked. Some people had parked to go for a walk, others were sitting reading a paper and looking out at the sea. On the previous weekend, there were ponies down, cars were parked, dogs were running about and someone was fishing. It was a great sight,’ she stated.

‘Surely we have to use the beach as an amenity for everyone and if it’s policed right, there are usually no problems. Maybe there needs to be an awareness campaign if the council feel there are issues.’

She feels that cameras, like Duleek, would solve incidents if there were accidents or dumping and investment in those would be useful.

‘People feel the beach should be open for everyone, if they abide by the laws. The council have done some amazing work around Bettystown and deserve great credit for that.The portoloos last year worked. They have worked with the tidy towns and there are great markings down, new signs with the Tara Brooch, the Christmas lights and the way they cleaned the place last summer, it never looked better,’ she stated. ‘Liam and the tidy towns group are fantastic.’

‘But if people can’t just come along and park on the beach, it will take them away from here. Where will they park, how far will they have to walk, what if that car park is full, what happens then.’

Her own business depends on access to the beach for deliveries and that will have to be considered. Sand Yachters and kite surfers also drive down to unload and park.

‘While we can talk about dogs running free and cars parking, the biggest issue impacting on our beach at the moment is coastal erosion. I have spoken to older people and they say the while shape of the beach has changed, especially in recent years. The council did a great job in Bettystown with a wall defence and that’s needed all the way to Bettystown. We have gabions on the beach and if we get two or three big storms, our car park will be in the beach. It is serious,’ Marina explained.

‘Apart from June, July and August, there is no real issue with the beach and during those periods, greater vigilance is needed at times, that’s all. The beach is a wonderful amenity for everyone from the entire area, don’t lock it off for people,’ she urged.