4. Beach cleaning

4.1  Introduction

The importance of a clean environment cannot be over emphasised. There is of course a duty of care in terms of public health and safety, but alongside these are the considerations of environment sustainability, and of course support for the local economy. At Laytown, Bettystown and Mornington the local community welcomes visitors, with visitors taking the degree of cleanliness into account when making decisions on whether to visit, and whether to return.

Please refer to Recommendation 27, 28, and 29 in Appendix A for proposed measures to achieve blue flag status.

4.2 Pollution Incident – who to contact

Occasionally an unusual quantity of waste or pollutant appears on the beach. Under the Sea Pollution Act 1999 (as amended), Meath County Council prepared an Oil Spill/NHS Pollution Response Plan. A draft plan for County Meath has been completed and submitted to the Coast Guard for comment and will be amended accordingly as necessary.

In the instance of chemical pollutant, unidentified waster or shipping waste, members of the public are asked to contact Meath County Council Environmental Department as a matter of urgency.

4.3 Fly Tipping – who to contact

If fly tipping at Laytown, Bettystown and Mornington Beach is reported to MCC by members of the public, it is aimed to be removed within 48 hours. Investigation takes place to try to identify the fly tipper, which if successful can lead to criminal proceedings. Responsibility for fly tipping procedures lies with Meath County Council Environmental Department.

4.4 Bathing Water

In accordance with the Bathing Water Regulations (2008), Meath County Council monitors the bathing water at Bettystown Beach on a weekly basis, from the end of May until September.

The results of testing of individual samples are displayed through the bathing season for public information purposes. The results of the Water Quality are displayed on a notice board at the entrance to the beach on Seaview Terrace by MCC Environmental Department. The sample quality status is a comparison of the individual test results with the EPA classification standards below.

Table 4.1: Classification Standards for Coastal & Transitional Waters

While the quality of an individual sample will be determined in this way, the annual quality assessment will be based on statistical assessment over 4 bathing seasons, in accordance with the EU Bathing Water Directive (Directive 2006/7/EC) and Bathing Water Quality Regulations 2008.

4.4.1        Assessing Water Quality Status

The water quality of designated bathing waters is assessed in accordance with Bathing Water Quality Regulations 2008 as follows.

Table 4.2: For coastal and transitional waters:

(*) based on a 95-percentile evaluation over 4 bathing water seasons

(**) based on a 90-percentile evaluation over 4 bathing water seasons

Further information on bathing water quality can be found at http://splash.epa.ie/# or by contacting Meath County Council Environmental Section (046-9097200).

4.5 Litter

Beach cleaning and bin emptying is the responsibility of MCC. Cleaning of the beach commences in April/May – in advance of the bathing season. The beach is swept during the summer period; at weekends and where possible during the week between July and August. However this is both weather and staff availability dependent. Cleaning involves occasionally usage of a specialised machine. Litter is removed; however, as a rule seaweed is not removed from the beach. Between September and May the beach is subject to responsive cleans only.

There are four big belly bins at the Square and Beach Entrance in Bettystown, together with bins at the beach. The existing bins are supplemented with wheelie bins as required during the busy periods.

The Council provide a small funding stream to both Julianstown Community District Group and Meath East Community Association (MECA) to support their sterling efforts in litter management on the beaches and the Dunes Areas.

Please refer to Recommendation 15, 16, 17 and 18 in Appendix A for proposed upgrades to litter management.

4.6 Recycling

There are currently no recycling facilities at Bettystown / Laytown Beach for glass or aluminium.

Please refer to Recommendation 17 in Appendix A for proposed recycling facilities.

4.7 Dog Fouling

Dog owners are responsible for cleaning up dog faeces. It is illegal for a person to permit a dog under their control to foul and fail to remove the faeces, as per Section 22 of the Litter Pollution Act. All areas of Bettystown Beach, plus all adjoining public areas are covered by this legislation.

This law is enforced by Meath County Council, who regularly monitor the beach, particularly during the summer season by the Beach Wardens. Non-compliance with the Foreshore Bye Laws 2010 can result in receiving a fine of €75, which can be administered by MCC officials and the Beach Wardens.

Please refer to Recommendation 12, 13, 14, 19 and 20 in Appendix A for proposed measures to prevent dog fouling on the beach.

 4.8 Community Clean-ups

A large number of voluntary groups and individuals organise beach cleans throughout the year, with particular emphasis on the bathing season. Meath County Council fully support and encourage these events and can assist with the provision of the following:

• Equipment - Pickers, bags and gloves - available through the Beach Warden or by arrangement with Meath County Council;
• Collection service - Bags of litter will be collected by MCC and its agents;
• 2 minute beach clean - These boards will be stocked by MCC and bags of litter collected by the Beach Warden; and
• Big Beach Clean Up - National event supported by An Taisce, MCC and local

Community Groups undertaking Clean Ups and other activities are advised to have insurance for their group in place.

The Beach Manager is the contact during peak season, and the Environment Section, Meath County Council will assist throughout the year.