Beaches ready for seasonal debut dip

By Dan Walsh at Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council meeting

As temperatures increase, an extended period of dry weather is predicted, and the upcoming Bank Holiday prompts consideration of beach visits for the first time this year.

At last Tuesday’s meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council, members stressed the importance of visitors behaving responsibly and keeping the coastline clean.

Cllr Nicky Boland noted during the meeting that Courtown is gearing up for the summer season, and repairs to the damaged boardwalk are currently underway.

The Council was urged to add more bin collections during the summer months, especially during Bank Holidays.

Cllr Anthony Donohoe argued for a public campaign urging people to take their waste home on leaving. And he noted that visitors were bringing household rubbish to the bins and clogging them up.

Cllr Mary Farrell requested more bins at the beach, noting that day trippers—not campers or motorhomes—were responsible for littering.

Cllr Farrell raised concerns about beach barbeques, noting that ash remnants are often buried under sand, which may result in children burning their feet.