Enforce by-laws to protect Mayo beach

BEACH by-laws must be enforced at Keem Bay from this weekend to protect it for future generations, an Achill councillor has insisted.

The beauty spot has become an environmental and also a health and safety concern as visitors flock there, says Councillor Paul McNamara.

He raised his concerns at a meeting of Mayo County Council yesterday (Monday) where he said the beach needs to be protected.

Over the recent bank holiday weekend there were 170 wild camping tents and the car parks were full.

The residents and local farming community have to be respected and he asked that by-laws adopted last year be fully implemented by the council and gardaí, with no overnight parking or camping.

If what he saw was allowed to continue, Keem would lose its Blue Flag and that would impact on tourism in the county, warned Councillor McNamara.