The local authority is facing criticism over its decision to conduct a review into the use of jetskis at Clare beaches over the summer.
It comes as new bye laws for beaches in this county have been passed which have also banned inflatable toys at all coastal locations.
Members of the Physical Development SPC last week signed off on Clare County Council’s new beach bye laws, with 38 public consultation submissions having been taken into consideration.
Among the changes that will be seen by visitors to this county’s coastline are that inflatable toys are now prohibited due to safety concerns.
Lifeguards have also been requested to record the presence and behaviour of personal watercraft users at a number of beaches, including Spanish Point, White Strand Miltown, White Strand Doonbeg and Ballycuggeran, with a review on the matter to take place in a year’s time.
There have been concerns raised about the 12 month review period, however, with some lifeguards here arguing such personal watercraft aid them in saving lives on Clare’s coasts.
Chairman of the Irish Tow Surf Club, Peter Conroy, believes the move is excessive.
Further fears have been expressed about people with disabilities being able to access Clare’s coastal areas this summer, with disability advocacy groups suggesting it’s difficult to tell the difference between inflatable toys and flotation devices.
Dermot Hayes, who’s a member of the Clare Leader Forum, says further works on access facilities are needed on this county’s beaches.
The Chair of Clare County Council’s Physical Development SPC, however, doesn’t believe the moves will deter people from going to coastal locations throughout the county this summer.
Councillor John Crowe says a review into the use of jetskis at some of the county’s beaches is giving users an opportunity to be more cautious in their behaviour.
The Fine Gael representative believes it’s the correct call.
