One of Mayo's finest Blue Flag beaches, Bertra, seven miles from Westport, is under serious threat from erosion.
In recent years the popular location has been ravaged by strong winds and high seas.
Some remedial works were put in place some years ago but it appears to be of little consequence.
Now the future of the beach, a haven for walkers, looks very bleak as difficulties have arisen because of objections by environmentalists to heavy machinery moving onto the sand dunes because they are a habitat for a rare breed of snails.
But unless urgent action is taken there will be no sand dunes and no snails.
The matter was raised at a meeting of the Mayo County Council's environmental strategic policy committee where members were informed the beach is deteriorating at a rapid pace.
But because of opposition to the remedial works, it now looks that the beach will be left to the elements.
Surely, some compromise deal can be struck with the Department of the Environment and the eco objectors to safeguard the beach for future generations.
Locals in nearby Murrisk are anxious the matter be brought to a head so Bertra can once again be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike who flock there all year through.
The future of the beach is at stake and the necessary agreement must be sought to allow the works go ahead.
Protective barriers have been installed midway along the dunes to prevent additional erosion.
It is only when you walk over these diminishing dunes that you realise how serious the situation is.
The future of the beach cannot be forfeited because of the presence of rare snails. There has to be a compromise to safeguard the molluscs and the beach as a first class amenity. Otherwise both will be wiped out and they cannot be replaced.
Mayo is blessed with the finest of Blue Flag beaches thanks to the work of Mayo County Council in maintaining the high standards required by the EU.
But we could lose Bertra because of inaction and thereby drop back in the Blue Flag league.
There is an onus on our elected representatives and council officials to hammer out a deal to save Bertra.
The matter is urgent and it would be unwise to allow the beach endure another winter without the necessary protective works being put in place.
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