Some of Dublin’s most popular beaches have strict rules to be aware of if you’re heading during the warm weather this weekend.
Littering, games and driving are just some of the prohibited activities.
This summer, if you’re heading to the beach over the south side of Dublin, make sure you read up on what is and is not permitted.
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Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council outlines the beach bye-laws that are in place on a number of popular South Dublin beaches. It applies to Seapoint, Blackrock, the Forty Foot, Sandycove, Booterstown, Killiney, Corbawn Lane, The Ramparts/Hawk Cliff and “other designated areas along the coastline” within the council’s remit.
There are at least seventeen acts that are prohibited at all times. According to the DLR County Council document, “no person shall carry out any of the following acts on the beach”.
Nuisance
The document states that it is not permitted to “cause a nuisance or do any of the following acts, which would be likely to cause a nuisance”.
Litter
This one is self-explanatory, but visitors to the beach must “bring, deposit or discharge soil, filth, refuse, rubbish, stones, earth or throw deposit” from the beach, as per the Litter Pollution Acts 1997-2009.
It is also prohibited to dump, abandon or vandalise vehicles on their beaches.
Firearms
Visitors to beaches cannot bring a firearm, airgun, catapult or any other weapon with them.
Fires
Though many enjoy the idea of lighting a fire to heat up after a cool evening swim, it is actually prohibited on beaches in DLR’s remit.
“No person shall carry out any of the following acts on the beach - light any fires including bonfires or burn any materials on the beach,” the document said.
Motor Vehicles
Driving, propelling or parking a car, motorbike, van trailer, caravan, campervan, mobile home, quad bike or “other mechanically propelled vehicle or motorcycle” is forbidden on the beach, “other than in an area designated for this purpose”.
It is also stated: “This bye-law shall not apply to a vehicle operated by any Council employees or its agents, member of An Garda Síochána, permanent Defence Forces, Civil
Defence or Coast Guard, for the purposes of the performance of any of their duties.”
Games
The council document outlines that playing “any game or sport including football, handball, golf, hurling, cricket, tennis or other activity in such a manner as to cause, or be likely to cause, a nuisance, danger, damage, obstruction or discomfort” to other visitors to the beach.
Beg
Begging, using obscene or profane language and behaving indecently or “importune” is not prohibited, the document outlines. It is also not permitted to “cause annoyance to others”.
Noise
Monitoring your noise level is also important if you want to visit a beach in the DLR area.
The document said that it is forbidden to: “Create or cause any noise including playing music from radios, stereos or musical instruments at such level as to give rise to or to be likely give rise to, reasonable cause for annoyance to any person.”
Graffiti
To write graffiti, injure, disfigure or mark any structure, seat, chair, sculpture, notice or notice board on a beach is not permitted.
Public Swimming Events
For those wishing to organise swimming events, permission must be obtained from the council.
“No person shall carry out any of the following acts on the beach - Organise swimming events including, triathlons or gala swimming days without the written consent of the Council,” the document said.
Animals
Each beach in the DLR area has it’s own rules and regulations with regards to having animals on the beach.
For example, on Seapoint Beach, dogs are allowed off the leash “at all times, all year round but are required to be under effectual control” in all areas apart from the designated bathing lifeguard control area.
Here, “No person shall take or allow any animal which is under his/her ownership or control on this area at any time all year round”. This does not apply to guide dogs.
However, in Sandycove, dogs must be kept on a leash all year round between the times of 10am and 7pm. After 7pm, they can go off the leash under the same clause as on Seapoint.
It is important to check out each individual beach’s rules before bringing your pet.
Fishing
Fishing is only permitted in certain locations, as outlined by elected members of the council. In these areas, “no person shall spread, fix or leave any nets, bait, lines, boxes, fishing gear, fish or shells in any such area where fishing is allowed (e.g. any beached area under the Council's control)”.
Other rules outlined by DLR County Council in relation to their beaches pertain to water sports, filming, caravans, obstruction, sports training and more. They can be found here.
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