Wexford council to reduce beach wardens this summer despite reports of illegal camping in 'delicate' dunes

Wexford County Council reduced the number of wardens on duty for the summer despite concerns about daytrippers lighting stoves in dunes on Co Wexford beaches. Councillor Mary Farrell said Morriscastle should have a warden because it is one of the largest Blue Flag beaches, receives large visitor numbers, and needs daily monitoring for traffic control and to guide emergency services. Director of services Eamonn Hore said beach crews completed a review and created a new warden system as the best solution. The new system was tested after reports of illegal camping and a stove being lit at Curracloe. Councillor Leonard Kelly questioned whether reporting and protection were sufficient, warning that people underestimate how delicate dune ecosystems are. Hore said the council responds quickly when issues are reported and sends staff out promptly.

"“It's one of the largest blue flag beaches along our coast, it receives huge visitor numbers throughout the season,” she said at the May meeting of Wexford County Council (WCC). “We need a warden there to help with traffic and guide emergency services if they need to get down, it's a necessity. “They have them at the other blue flag beaches, I don't see why Morriscastle shouldn't have one. I've been told a warden is going to be shared with Curracloe, but that's not the answer either.”"

"“This is considered the best solution to what's happening on the beaches,” he added. This new system was immediately put to the test last weekend following reports of illegal camping and the lighting of a stove at Curracloe. Those reports were relayed to Cllr Leonard Kelly who raised them with Mr Hore."

"“This was a Sunday morning, what do people do if they wish to report it?” asked Cllr Kelly. “Are we doing enough to protect these areas? It's worrying to hear what Cllr Farrell is saying about our wardens, the basic vigilance we had is now being decreased. “A lot of people think it's a harmless activity, 'ah sure if it gets burnt, it'll grow back', but they don't have a basic understanding of how delicate an ecosystem it is.”"

Read at Irish Independent