Dogs and horses may be BANNED from Kerry beaches this summer under new proposal

DOgs and horses may be banned from Kerry beaches this summer under a new proposal.

Ceremonies may have to leave puppies at home from now on to comply with international guidelines for the annual blue flag bathing award.

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The Blue Flag Awards are recognized worldwide and aim to promote environmental education, sustainable tourism development, and ensure safety and access for beach users.

An Taisce runs this program in Ireland on behalf of Environmental Education and awards beaches based on cleanliness, water quality, environmental stewardship, safety and service.

In 2021, Ireland’s 83 beaches and 10 marinas were awarded 14 Blue Flags to Kerry.

RTE reported that they are now being required to build their beaches to code and enforce regulations regarding pets.

This means that dogs and horses could be banned between 11am and 7pm between June 1 and September 15, according to the draft new goodbye law.

Taisce’s Ian Diamond said dog restrictions apply in the 50 countries that operate the program globally.

He explained that the reason behind the ban could be due to “fecal contamination” in the bath water.

“A logical reason to limit domesticated animals’ access to beaches is that among the most common hazards in bathing water are microbial pathogens introduced by fecal contamination,” he said. people and animals.”

Limits will not apply to guide and service dogs.

FORbidden Horses

Horses may also be banned from Kerry beaches except from early morning and late evening.

Beach promenades and parking lots will not be affected.

Kerry’s director of services for beaches and water John Breen said that if the proposed rules are not passed, Kerry will lose some of her Blue Flag awards.

“This issue has now received more emphasis and the jury has directed all local governments to apply for increased Blue Flag area delineation to exclude dogs or to arrange an after-hours time frame,” he said. bath so the dog can access the beach.”