Dunes under threat from fitness fanatics

THERE are fears that fitness fanatics are causing

“irreparable damage

? and instabilty to sand dunes on the Velvet Strand in Portmarnock.

The local community association is appealing for sports clubs and groups to refrain from training on the dunes because of the erosion the increased footfall is causing.

It’s feared that the dunes could return to the deplorable condition they were in over a decade ago when extensive repair work was needed to address significant erosion and deterioration.

Finbarr Quigley, chairperson of Portmarnock Community Association, said that while most clubs and groups respect the dunes, several groups have been seen training on the sandy hills in recent times and are, without realising it, causing damage.

“Portmarnock’s beach is a national treasure enjoyed by thousands of visitors every year,

? Mr Quigley stated.

“The Blue Flag status of the beach is official recognition of the cleanliness and good condition of this great public amenity.

“However, maintenance of this status and the long-term care of the beach also requires respect for the dunes.

?

In an effort to protect the dunes, members of Portmarnock Community Association, in co-operation with An Taisce and Fingal County Council, recently planted marram grass on the dunes.

Local resident Maire O’Brien said it was

“heartbreakingly disappointing

? to see the dunes being used as exercise tools.

“We spent hours in absolutely horrible weather planting marram grass (the main plant that stabilises the sand) only to find a few days later that the grass had been displaced,

? she told Northside People.

“I’ve often seen studs so some sports club or team must be using the dunes for training.

“The increased heavy footfall is progressively breaking down the dunes and disturbing their natural form.

“I used to play in the dunes as a child seeking shade and shelter from the winds so I know the attraction of dunes for kids is innocent. But it’s simply another thing when groups and individuals are running up and down the dunes for sports training.

?

According to Fingal County Council’s beach bye-laws, training on the beach can only be undertaken with the consent of the council.

“No person shall engage in sports training (including football training) on any part of the beach/foreshore, and in particular shall refrain from using for such training any portion of the beach/foreshore which comprises sand dunes, save with the consent of the council,

? Fingal County Council’s beach bye-law states.

A spokesperson for the council confirmed that a number of signs have been placed in the area advising that sports activity is prohibited in the dunes area. The council is considering erecting additional signage.

“With regard to enforcement of the beach bye-laws, unlike many of our public parks where we would have park rangers on duty who can advise members of the public if they are in breach of a bye-law, unfortunately we do not have supervisory staff at beaches,

? the spokesperson told Northside People.

“Any member of An Garda Siochana may enforce such bye-laws if it is brought to their attention.

“We will highlight this issue through standard council communication channels (website, press release, social media etc) and hopefully raise awareness amongst members of the public not to use the dunes area for sports activities.

“Any commercial boot-camp who would like to arrange training facilities should contact parks@fingalcoco.ie where every effort will be made to accommodate them on designated all-weather pitches or tennis courts.

“The same applies to any sports clubs who require pitch or training facilities.

?