Sinn Féin councillor John Smyth has criticised proposed changes to bye-laws on Fingal’s beaches.
The Swords councillor has warned that the proposed new Fingal Beach and Foreshore Bye-Laws run the risk of “destroying” sea angling in the north county and could see the closure of successful businesses.
The proposed changes, which are currently out for public consultation, have sparked growing anger among sea fishing enthusiasts, angling clubs and businesses, according to Smyth.
Smyth also said that the proposed changes, if they go ahead, could also have a negative impact on dog walkers.
Under the existing 2006 bye-laws, fishing and sea angling were already prohibited in a number of areas; Smyth said that the laws are rarely enforced as it is.
The Sinn Féin councillor explained “sea anglers are some of the most important protectors of our coastal waters. They hold the environment in high regard and respect the areas in which they fish. It is in their interest that the coast is clean, safe and free from pollution. The approach in the 2006 laws was often seen as overreaching; however, they were rarely enforced.”
“Sadly, the new proposals effectively ban the sport along Fingal’s coasts,” he said.
The proposed changes call for a ban on fishing on blue flag beaches, special areas of conservation (SPCs) and special protected areas (SPAs).
Fingal County Council would also have the remit to prohibit fishing in any area, as they see fit.
Smyth said, “it is incredibly difficult for anglers to accept this; they believe they are being punished and seen as a threat to the environment, all the while some rivers that flow into our sea have waste and abandoned vehicles buried in the river bed for years.”
Smyth said that one angler notes that wastewater flows directly into Malahide estuary without any action being taken, but they are now expected to follow a new set of rules.
Another angler noted large vessels and trawlers are “destroying” the seabed and natural habitats, but local anglers are “punished” while fishing catch and release.
Smyth fears that by restricting sea angling, Fingal County Council could be extinguishing a potential source of tourism revenue.
He noted that certain fish stocks have become abundant in recent years, and Fingal County Council are potentially leaving money on the table by restricting the practice.
Smyth also warned of potential “severe” restrictions for dog owners.
Under the existing 206 byelaws, dogs are merely required to be kept under “effective control,” and seasonal restrictions apply to blue flag beaches.
The new proposals mean that dogs would be prohibited on blue flag beaches, such as Donabate and Portmarnock, from 11am to 7pm.
Smyth believes this is a case of “tarring every dog owner with the same brush, and punishing them all for the actions of a few.”
“Sadly I believe this is tarring every dog owner with the same brush and punishing them all for the actions of a few. Responsible owners who keep their pets on a lead at times when it’s appropriate will now simple have to find somewhere else to go. It’s just disproportionate restriction to the actions of a minority who don’t respect other beachgoers,” he said.
Smyth said that since the online consultation portal has gone live, dozens of residents have voiced their objections to the proposals.
He said that a “common-sense approach” is needed in this situation.
“All I am asking for is a common-sense approach to such laws which strikes a balance between the needs of various groups and the protection of one of the county’s greatest assets, our coastline,” he said.
Smyth said that Fingal County Council could also be doing more to accommodate camper vans.
While acknowledging “they can be a nuisance at times,” he said they are “essential for tourism.”
Sinn Féin councillor John Smyth
He said that sites should be developed right across the North County.
“We are pushing the ‘Explore Fingal’ brand but then telling those who come you have to be gone by a certain time and best of luck finding a location to park up,” he remarked.
Smyth stated, “it does not have to be either or, we can have both.”
The Swords councillor will be advocating for the Kevin Costner in Field of Dreams approach; build it, and they will come.
“I will be proposing that the council develops appropriate sites for camper vans to come, stay and enjoy our towns and villages. Let’s not drive away tourists who are vital for our local economy. Let us find a way to embrace them while respecting the needs of residents,” he said.
Smyth acknowledged “changes to our bylaws are needed, but what has been proposed is so harsh that it risks damaging the council’s reputation, the wellbeing of residents and the local economy.”
The summer months in the North County have been defined by woes on the beaches.
A number of Do Not Swim notices have been issued on beaches in Portmarnock, Malahide, Howth and Rush.
This week, a Do Not Swim notice was issued for the Velvet Strand in Portmarnock, with Uisce Eireann saying there had been an overflow incident at the Portmarnock Strand pump station.
Heavy rainfall was identified as the likely cause, despite Ireland having the driest summer in decades.
Ireland’s ageing water infrastructure is struggling to catch up with the climate realities.
In June, the Northside People reported that a 60-day Do Not Swim notice was issued for Rush North and Rush South beaches.
At the time, Uisce Éireann attributed the issue to “wear and tear” of pumps at wastewater pumping stations.
Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore, who serves as the party’s environmental spokesperson, said at the time that the closure of the beaches would have a negative impact on the local economy.
“The loss of these valuable amenities will also have a negative impact on the many local coffee shops, restaurants and pubs that depend on tourism,” she said.
“Of major concern, however, is the potential for sewage overflow into the sea and the significant consequences such an ecological disaster would have for marine life, public health and the local environment,” the Wicklow TD said.
“Investigations indicate the failure was due to wear and tear, which begs the obvious question: why was this potential problem not identified earlier during routine inspections of the pumping station?” she said.
A 2025 report from the Environmental Protection Agency found that 98% of bathing waters met or exceeded minimum quality standards.
However, the 2% slip through the net, and they are disproportionately located in the North County.
Fingal County Council noted there has been “sustained improvements in water quality management across the county” and cited targeted investment, monitoring and collaboration as key factors behind the progress.
“The focus now must be on continuing this progress and driving further improvements to bring more beaches up to excellent standard and ensure the highest possible level of water quality is achieved and maintained,” the council said.
The balance between expanding tourism revenue but protecting Fingal’s coastline and beaches is something the council is acutely aware of, but pressure from elected representatives and local residents is an indication of the tightrope the council has to walk.