Additional dog control patrols to be mounted on Clare beaches this summer

Beaches across Clare will be boosted this summer by the provision of additional dog control patrols.

In addition to existing patrols carried out by county Dog Warden, Clare County Council says an additional dedicated Beach Dog Warden has been assigned.

"The role of this person is to monitor dog control during the bathing season, which runs from June 15 to September 15 annually.  Beach bye-laws are in place to restrict dogs on beaches from 11am to 6pm during these dates," said a spokesperson.

According to the local authority, the restrictions are in place to ensure that beaches can be enjoyed by all users.  Restrictions also protect water quality and prevent harm being caused to beach users from dog-fouling. 

"Faeces from dogs are toxic and harmful to humans, especially to young children and the vulnerable. Dogs are carriers of dog roundworm which can be transmitted to humans through eggs in dog faeces. Contact with infected dog poop can cause loss of sight, with children particularly at risk," explained the spokesperson.

The beaches that will be monitored for dog control include: Ballyallia Lake; Ballycuggaran (Killaloe); Bishopsquarter (Ballyvaughan); Brew’s Bridge (Kilrush); Cappagh (Kilrush); Carrigaholt; Doolin; Fanore; Kilkee; Lahinch; Mountshannon; Querrin Pier; Quilty; Seafield (Quilty); Spanish Point, Trá Leathan (Doolin); White Strand Doonbeg; and White Strand Miltown Malbay. 

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Clare McGrath, Clare County Council’s Water Safety Officer, has welcomed the additional patrols: “As part of the international blue flag criteria we are required to ensure that access to a bathing area by dogs is strictly controlled. A single dog poo can contaminate an area the size of a tennis court or an Olympic size swimming pool. Protecting water quality and maintaining excellent water quality status at our Blue Flag beaches is essential to maintaining blue flag status at our beaches. We want to avoid beach closures and retain blue flag status for our beaches. This is very important for our local economy, particularly the tourism sector.”

Maria Carey, executive engineer with Clare County Council’s Waste Enforcement Team added: “The dedicated beach warden will be supported by our Community Environmental Patrol Wardens. I urge dog owners to always control their dog”. Ms Carey continued, “Responsible dog owners need to ensure that when their dog poops, they scoop the poop. Using any bag, place it in a bin, where there is one available, or bring it home if a bin is full or not available.”