Dogs no longer welcome at beaches during peak times
DOG owners may not be able to bring their furry friends for a stroll along Wexford’s most beautiful beaches at peak times under regulations being put forward as part of new beach by-laws for Co Wexford.
Under the new draft by-laws, which are yet to go to public consultation, it would be prohibited to bring a dog onto a Blue Flag Beach during the summer season between the hours of 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Those who wish to bring their dogs to the beach outside of peak hours, can do so provided that they are on a leash, that they are not causing annoyance and that any dog dirt is cleaned up right away by the owner.
Guide dogs and garda dogs are, obviously exempt from the by-laws.
Similarly, under the draft bylaws, horses would be banned from being on the beach between the hours of 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. during the summer season and bank holiday weekends.
Other aspects of the new draft beach by-laws included a prohibition on overnight parking at beaches.
Launching boats or watercraft at beaches outside of designated areas is also forbidden and those travelling within 300 metres of a beach are required to keep their speed below 6 knots.
The by-laws also state that people should not wind surf, kite surf or kayak near swimmers and licences are required for those offering tuition or renting out surf boards etc.
Would-be cinematographers are warned that ‘no person shall make any movie or film on a commercial basis on a beach, except with the consent of Wexford County Council and subject to terms and conditions’.
Anyone found to be in breach of any of the by-laws is liable to face a fine of €75. Having been unanimously approved by the members, the by-laws will now go for public consultation during which time members of the public will be invited to offer observations and submissions.