Campaign sought to prevent beach litter 

A NORTHSIDE woman is calling for a campaign to ensure beaches remain free of litter, particularly during good weather, and for beach-goers to play their part.  

Karen Meenan said she walked her dog from Baldoyle to Howth on Sunday, June 18 around lunchtime and encountered serious litter issues along the route.

Among them was the entrance to Claremont Beach, Howth, which Ms Meenan described as “absolutely disgusting”

“There were dirty nappies, broken bottles, drinks cans, picnic remains, towels, underpants, even a baby blanket, all left on the beach – litter absolutely everywhere,” she told Northside People.   

“There was so much glass strewn along the entrance to the beach from the back of Howth DART Station that we had to turn back.

“People were starting to carry dogs in their arms to protect their paws from getting glass injuries.

“I witnessed a family of four getting off the DART with their picnics coming to the beach and turning around again to get back on the next train. It really was that bad.”

Ms Meenan is calling for more bins on local beaches and more regular collections particularly during hot spells. 

Fingal County Council said temperatures of over 24C on the weekend of June 17 and 18 resulted in people visiting all outdoor amenities. Council staff worked on their normal weekend duties along with two big events:

• On Saturday, June 17 staff worked in Malahide to facilitate a crowd of 15,000 at a concert, and

• On Sunday, June 18 staff worked at Fingal Cemetery where 10,000 people attended the annual mass.

The council said over the same weekend it became aware that six bins were burnt out, and pointed out that during 2016 30 bins were burnt out at a cost of €350 each.

During the summer months Fingal County Council said it erects additional bins and the figures for the Howth/Malahide Local Electoral Area are: 

• Malahide Beach: There are eight permanent bins with six additional bins erected for the summer months,

• Portmarnock Beach (Silver Strand), which was recently awarded a Blue Flag status: There are eight permanent bins with 12 additional bins erected for the summer months,

• Sutton Beach (Burrows Road): There are two permanent bins with five additional bins erected for the summer months, and

• Howth Beach: There are two permanent bins with eight additional bins erected for the summer months.

The council said it is aware of the type of rubbish found on the beaches such as towels, bottles, cans, footwear and disposable barbecues and endeavours to ensure all litter is removed and bins emptied to ensure a safe and clean environment.  

“We are aware of the many black spots and increase of litter during the summer months and are examining all options to manage these areas,” said a council spokesperson. 

“Fingal County Council are very proud of our beaches and work hard to keep them at their best to be enjoyed by the public, with additional resources employed during the summer or at peak times. 

“The council also works with and recognises the efforts of local community and voluntary groups in keeping our beaches clean.

“We have a Social Media campaign appealing to the public to take responsibility for their amenities. Our message it to come out and enjoy our parks, beaches and coastal walks, but to please think of others and bring any rubbish home or use bins provided.”

The council is also appealing to dog owners to remember to keep them under control and clean up after them. 

“This way our parks and beaches can be enjoyed by everyone,” the spokesperson added.