Should dogs be allowed on beaches?

Waterford City and County Council last week reminded locals and visitors that dogs are not permitted on certain beaches during the summer months.

A statement this week said: "In order to make Waterford beaches safe and pleasant for everybody, please remember that Woodstown beach, and the lifeguard patrol areas of Tramore, Bunmahon, Clonea, Ardmore and Dunmore East beaches are dog free areas between 11am and 7pm during the bathing season, with the exception of Guide Dogs and assistance dogs.'

"We appreciate your cooperation," added the local authority in its statement.

Local authorities across the country have implemented such rules on their Blue Flag Beaches.

These regulations are part of the broader Control of Dogs Bye-Laws 2015, which are integrated into beach-specific rules to maintain a clean and safe environment for all visitors.

Regarding dogs on beaches, Cllr Liam Brazil suggested last week that Council dog wardens make more regular patrols of our beaches to ensure that dogs are controlled by owners.

"To see dogs running wild in the middle of the day I think its very unfair on families who come to beaches," he said.

"I do think these dogs should be on a leash or maybe they shouldn’t be there at all," added Cllr Brazil.

We asked locals for their opinions in Waterford city centre last week, and whether or not dogs should be allowed on our local beaches during these times.

Ann Burke said she brings her own dogs to permitted local beaches.

"The only reason I'd go to the beach is to bring my dogs there to run around, so i think they should be allowed on beaches." 

Local man Shay added: "I think dogs dirty the beaches. I think they should only allowed if they're kept on a lead but apart from that I wouldn't say so."