Calls have been made for Council resources and emergency services to reflect the high volumes of visitors travelling to coastal areas in Clare this Bank Holiday weekend.
It follows crowded scenes and unplanned public gatherings in recent days in cities and coastal areas, including Lahinch beach.
A lack of social distancing, anti-social behaviour and lengthy tailbacks on the roads has prompted calls for measures to be taken to prevent a repeat situation.
Thousands of people decended on the county’s most popular attractions and elsewhere over the weekend as the fine weather finally broke through.
But this brought about concern in some areas over a lack of social distancing, anti-social behaviour and littering, particularly in Lahinch.
One local businessman has also recounted mile-long tailbacks on approach roads to the tourist hotspot on Sunday.
Donough O’Meara says there simply wasn’t enuogh council resources to match the changing times we’re living in.
An Ennistymon Councillor insists that adequate planning must get underway to ensure our coastal areas are able to cope with an expected increase in visitors for the entire summer.
Fianna Fáil’s Shane Talty says they just weren’t prepared last weekend and that additional council and emergency services will be needed.
A Kilkee businessman says the influx to their town was welcome after a long period of isolation.
Donal Hayes of Hayes’ Gala admits there have been issues there but he believes people have to take personal responsibility when travelling away from home.
The Mayor of Clare insists the county’s preparedness for an outdoor summer is still a ‘work in progress’ and that planning is underway to ensure the county is ready for a predominantly outdoor summer.
Ennis Fine Gael Councillor Mary Howard says people can enjoy parts of this county that won’t be overcrowded this summer.
