Clare council forced to delay plan to ban dogs from beaches

Strong opposition to Clare County Council's proposal to ban dogs from beaches during peak hours has resulted in the council postponing the plan.

Opposition came from the ISPCA and from people who live in, or own homes in the county, including author Nuala O'Faolain.

Councillors were set to adopt the draft beach bye-laws at their June meeting last night, but were unable to do so as the council's environmental committee had not made a recommendation to council on the bye-laws.

Chairwoman Cllr Patricia McCarthy (Ind) explained yesterday: "Due to the quality and number of submissions and questions raised by the submissions, the special policy committee has not been able to make a recommendation."

Arising from the submissions, the committee is to also seek legal advice on the draft bye-laws and the matter has been put back to the council's July meeting.

In the draft bye-laws, the council is proposing that dogs - even those on a lead - be banned from Clare's beaches between 11am and 6pm this Summer.

People who bring their dogs onto beaches, including Lahinch and Spanish Point, face on-the-spot fines of €125 or fines of up to €1,270 if the case goes to court.

The public has been able to make submissions on the bye-laws over the past five weeks.

The council's plan to ban dogs followed reported attacks by dogs on people using beaches.

In her submission, Ms O'Faolain asks: "The first question I have is: where can the records of any of these incidents be consulted? Who filed them and to where? How serious in fact is this problem and has it been identified by any neutral observer?"

Ms O'Faolain owns a house near Lahinch and in her submission adds: "It seems a pity to prohibit families and visitors the company of their dogs. Couldn't part of the beach be designated 'dogs allowed'?"

The author and journalist goes on to say that if the council is so anxious about its seaside resorts, perhaps there are more pressing problems than dogs, highlighting the inadequate toilet facilities at Lahinch beach.

Other dog owners have described the council's move "as almost Nazi-like" and accused the council of behaving like "dictators".

The ISPCA also voiced opposition to the ban. Its general manager, Mark Beazley, asked for a section of each beach to be left accessible to dogs on a year round basis, marked out by wooden posts or signage.

He also warned that a ban might discourage British visitors from holidaying in Clare as many bring their dogs with them.