Windsurfers, sailors and other water users on the west coast have expressed alarm over the proposal to ban all leisure activities other than swimming on Galway County beaches.
The draft bans sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, stand-up paddling and horseback riding on 24 beaches from the Aran Islands to Connemara and Portumna, and could result in fines of up to €1,900.
The ordinance states, “No person may windsurf on a sail board, kite surf on a kite board, surf on a surfboard, or use a canoe, kayak, dinghy, stand-up paddle board, or water bike for swimmers. It should not be used in close proximity.” ”.
The draft ordinance bans dog walking between 11am and 7pm, and also suggests keeping dogs on a leash outside of these hours during the summer.
A ban on the use of inflatable water devices in open water and personal watercraft, powercraft and high speed powercraft within 300m of the low water line when in use is also proposed “except for rescue purposes”.
The draft bans sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, stand-up paddling and horseback riding on 24 beaches from the Aran Islands to Connemara and Portumna, and could result in fines of up to €1,900.
Dr. Barra Nevin, a community pharmacist, windsurfer and sailor, said the proposed by-law included provisions to allow zoning for other activities, but that it “won’t make sense” at a later stage. Stated.
He questions why there was no dialogue or prior consultation with water users.
“This will have nationwide implications because if these ordinances are passed here, they will be copied by other local governments, effectively closing access to the sea for many people,” he said. I got
“As a community pharmacist in Roscomb, County Galway and former president of the Western Region of the Irish Pharmacy Union, this proposal is against HSE’s policy on outdoor pursuits and exercise,” Dr Nevin said in a filing to Galway County Council. says.
“Criminalizing water sports enthusiasts is insane, given the physical and mental health benefits,” says Dr. Nevin.
Dr. Nevin, who stood on the community platform in the 2009 local elections, is the Windsurfing Representative for the Renville Water User Group, which includes four County Council members.
He was an active member of the Galway Bay Sailing Club and noted that water users work together at Renville.
“When locals, ignorant of these proposed bylaws, came to the beach with their kayaks on the roofs of their cars and first heard and saw the signs representing these bylaws, what was politically unacceptable?” Will it happen?” he asks in the submission.
Galway swimmer Brian Koll said the draft ordinance puts swimmers at odds with other water sports users.
“The preferred approach is to implement beach management plans and zoning that allow as many people as possible to access the beach for activity,” he said.
Col said Galway is the only county on the Wild Atlantic Way that doesn’t zone its beaches to accommodate swimming and other water activities, and the ordinance could cause it to lose its Blue Flag status. I warned you.
“With the lack of designated swimming and water sports zones in place, the new legislation will effectively result in a ‘NOT WELCOME’ sign for all visitors wishing to participate in water sports on County Galway beaches. he says.
Galway sailor and yacht chandler Pierce Purcell said lack of access was the biggest obstacle to the development of water sports.
“The West Coast is recognized as an incredible blue water cruising ground and, apart from the very welcome additions of growing facilities at Ros-a-Mhíl, Inis Mór and Inishbofin, marina facilities We are far behind,” he says.
Given the benefits of tourism and health and safety concerns, Galway County Council should “focus on applying for funding to develop these incredible natural amenities,” Purcell said. increase.
Galway County Council did not respond to a request for comment. The deadline for submission of the draft by-laws is November 11th.
Link to Draft Beach By Law: https://www.galway.ie/en/media/Draft%20Beach%20Bye%20Laws%202022%20Eng.pdf
Link to Draft Beach Bye Law Map: https://www.galway.ie/en/media/Draft%20Beach%20Bye%20Laws%20Maps%202022.pdf
