Signs erected on North Dublin beaches urging public not to walk on dunes

Fingal County Council has installed signs at beaches in Malahide and Howth asking people to avoid walking and climbing on the sand dunes in an effort to protect vegetation and slow down erosion.

The local authority says that 11 signs have been erected across entrances at Claremont Beach and Burrow Beach.

At the April Howth-Malahide Area Committee meeting, Fingal County Council released a statement saying that it made “the commitment” to erect the signs in February and the work was carried out during the month of March.

“The signs are bilingual and say the following: “Fan amach ó na dumhcha, le do thoil, chun an fásra a chosaint // Please stay off the dunes to protect vegetation”,” says the council.

“These serve to remind beach users to respect the dunes and are highly visible to all.

“The reminder signage posted at the entrances will not obstruct the dune forming process to conserve the dune ecosystem along their length.

“The Operations Department have now completed the erection of the dune protection signage on these beaches.”

Fingal County Council says that consideration is being given to further steps it could take to deter people from walking on the dunes.

“Matters with respect to encroachment and related activity in the vicinity of the dunes are receiving the consideration of the Planning and Strategic Infrastructure Department and subject to an open planning enforcement file.

“The Planning and Strategic Infrastructure Department is also in contact with the National Parks and Wildlife Service in terms of the concerns that have been brought to the Council’s attention.”

However, some local representatives and environmental groups say that the installation of these signs should only be the beginning of erosion-tackling measures.

“I have asked for signs and ropes to be put around the sand dune areas to ask people not to trample on the vegetation,” says Mayor of Fingal David Healy.

“Most people aren’t aware that sand dune grasses are easily damaged by trampling, unlike the grass species we’re used to seeing in gardens, parks and fields.

“Most people want to do the right thing to protect their environment and it’s important that we ensure that they have the information they need to do that.”

Healy says that “further measures” should be taken to help the sand dunes recover.

“This includes helping the dunes to grow by providing fencing to trap wind-blown sand and other similar techniques. (For example, Portmarnock residents proposed the use of Christmas trees.)

“Planting of dune species, and throwing washed up seaweed onto the dunes can also help them recover.

“We need to take sand dune management and protection seriously. Fortunately, there is a lot of interest and goodwill in the community.

“People value our dunes and beaches.

“The vast majority are eager to do the right thing when they visit the beach and significant numbers are willing to volunteer to help protect the dunes.”