This article is from page 10 of the 2006-05-30 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 10 JPG
DOG OWNERS face fines of up to €1,270 if they allow their dogs roam Clare’s beaches from this Thursday.
The ban on dogs – which also applies to dogs kept on the leash – will be in place from June 1 to the end of August, between the hours of 11am and 6pm
It has emerged that Clare’s Dog Warden, Frankie Coote won’t be available to enforce the ban at weekends, when the beaches are likely to be busiest. Mr Coote, who originally floated the idea of banning dogs, only works from Monday to Friday.
Instead, gardaí and lifeguards will be deployed to enforce the regulation, according to a Clare County Council spokesman.
He said that there would be a “softly-softly” approach at first, with the emphasis on education.
But, those dog-owners found accompanying their dogs during afternoons on Clare’s most popular beaches, including Lahinch and Spanish Point, will face on-the-spot fines of €125, or fines of up to €1,270 if their case goes to court.
“I hope the beach by-laws will make a difference. It is now down to the members of the public to act responsibly on the county’s beaches,” said Mr Coote.
The ban comes despite opposition from the Irish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) and international bestselling author, Nuala O’Faolain to the move.
In a submission, ISPCA General Manager, Mark Beazley urged the council to leave a section of each beach accessible to dogs on a year round basis, marked out by wooden posts, or signage.
In her submission, Nuala O’Faolain who owns a house near Lahinch offered similar views to the ISPCA.
“It seems a pity to prohibit families and visitors the company of their dogs. Couldn’t part of the beach be designated dogs allowed?”
Ms O’Faolain also questioned the data behind alleged attacks by dogs on beachgoers.
Councillor Joe Carey (FG) described the new law as “a draconian measure”.
“The council may come to regret the decision as Clare is a tourist county and the ban on dogs is not a family friendly policy. We were told that they will be reviewed, but once they are introduced, they are difficult to reverse.”