Dogs force revamp of plan for local beach
MAJOR plans for the management of Bettystown beach have had to be delayed due to the fact that dog owners are allowing their pets to run free - impacting on bird feeding times.
Meath County Council have plans to bring structure to the beach, including designing a new entrance area.
Last week, details of the public submissions were revealed, with comments ranging from parking to toilets, access, erosion, dogs and horses.
But the council said that consultants now state that two key issues are damaging the environment of the beach, namely dogs running loose and vehicles parking, in turn disturbing protected species.
A nature impact study is now needed and the plan will have to go out to public notice again.
A barrier will also be erected on a two-month trial period, opening at 8am and closing at 6pm.
A design team is likely to be in place by mid January to look at the entrance area and what can be done.
Cllr Tom Kelly asked if the houses at the entrance would be retained or knocked down.
He also said Mornington dunes were in private ownership and were now on the market.
‘Are we trying to get it?,’ he asked, while also saying that a change in the bylaws may also be needed.