Mayo island villagers 'infuriated' over delays in tackling key beach access issue

The beautiful Golden Strand beach in Dugort on Achill Island has lost out on achieving Blue Flag status for another year, much to the dismal of locals and visitors alike.

Despite being adjudged by the EPA as having bathing water quality of an excellent standard, the underlying problem relates to the prolonged delay in putting disabled and other access facilities in place.

This shortcoming was first highlighted a number of years ago when the beach first lost its Blue Flag Status - and lovers of the locations are infuriated that nothing has happened since to tackle the issue once and for all.

Considerable investment has taken place in recent years on the development and expansion of the nearby Lavelle's Caravan Park, now under the ownership of McNicholl Limited, Magherafelt, Co. Derry, where up to 90 families have holiday homes.

And, after being closed for over two years, the former Masterson's public house and restaurant reopened last month under the proprietorship of the McGreal family and now trading as McGreal's at the Golden Strand.

While such investment is a resounding vote of confidence in the village, local residents and visitors believe a similar vote of confidence should be displayed by Mayo County Council in building the requisite access facilities to restore the reputation of beach as one of the most unique on the island.

The location is the starting and finishing point for many of one of Achill's finest loop walks, Slí Tóin an tSean Bhaile, which takes walkers through the unspoilt landscape of The Valley, offering spectacular views of Slievemore Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean.

The walk passes a site of archeological significance where an archeological dig unearthed stone dwellings.

A 'Cillini', headtones marking the graves of unbaptized babies and where a plaque is erected in their memory, is also located along the route.

Representations made to The Connaught Telegraph about the beach access issue said it is wrong and unfair that the matter is being put on the long finger by the council.

"We cannot understand why our appeals for action have been consistently overlooked.

"At a time when the future of rural island villages are are now under increasing threat, we believe every effort should be made to try and preserve them.

"Apart from private investment, this is not happening in the case of the Golden Strand, Dugort, and this has to change," the statement added.