SHAME OF RUBBISH BLIGHT AT POPULAR BEACH
FAMILY FEEL MORE WARDENS WOULD BENEFIT THE AREA
A VISITOR to north Wexford has hit out after her and her family were left disappointed by a holiday in north Wexford.
Janette Byrne, from Dublin, hired a house in the scenic village of Ballygarrett – but said that the family’s visit consisted of cleaning up after beachgoers and being tormented by aggressive dogs.
Janette, who has called for investment into more litter wardens and dog wardens in Wexford, described Ballygarrett beach as ‘embarrassing and shameful’.
‘We were disgusted each day to see Ballygarrett beach dirty with black sacks of rubbish, broken bottles, and burnt grass,’ said Janette.
A WOMAN from Glasnevin has called for investment into more litter and dog wardens in Wexford for what she described as an ‘embarrassing and shameful’ Ballygarrett Beach.
Janette Byrne hired a beautiful house in Ballygarrett with three of her sisters and their two parents, who are in their late eighties. She said since they were children they have always paid Wexford a visit in the summer time as they love the people, the great beaches, delicious food and the gorgeous weather.
‘We were disgusted each day to see Ballygarrett beach dirty with black sacks of rubbish, broken bottles and burnt grass,’ said Janette. ‘We called the number provided and tried for an hour to get through but we had to give up.’
The family stayed for a week and each day the sisters cleaned up what they could. Janette said it ate into their quality time with their parents and their holiday.
‘A week later the rubbish was still there and getting worse,’ said Janette. ‘We had genuine concerns about the broken glass.’
With no options, the sisters used an abandoned tent to put some of the rubbish in and another day left the bags at Wexford County Council sign which was removed but not the other rubbish.
Janette said they went to Ballinoulart Beach just to avoid the mess at Ballygarrett Beach because it was ‘just upsetting’.
‘We were walking along the beach when it was invaded by about 25 dogs, most off leads,’ said Janette. ‘I had to cover a large faeces at the entrance of the beach. Most of the dogs were hyper.’
When Janette commented to two of the groups about the faeces at the entrance they were not interested.
The family would start their day with a swim. Janette said her father is unsteady on his feet and both parent are vulnerable.
‘We were just entering the water when about six dogs came running at us, jumping in and snapping around us,’ said Janette. ‘The owners tried in vain to call them, we were terrified.’
One of the owners had to drag two of her dogs away, but they got away and came back. Janette said her frightened mother asked the woman to ‘please take the dogs away’.
Janette added they struggle to get a beach that is flat and not full of stones as her fathers balance is not great. ‘Dogs running at him terrified us as we know if one jumped on him it could do serious damage,’ she said.
She said they ‘love Wexford, lovely people, great beaches, great food and the weather’ but it is just a shame their holiday was spoiled by dirty beach-goers and irresponsible dog owners.
‘Maybe it is about investment in to more wardens for Wexford beaches,’ said Janette. ‘Whatever is it, being Irish, I was embarrassed and ashamed to see our beach this way.’