Achill councillor calls for beach ranger to be at popular local beach this summer
Keem Bay, Achill
An Achill-based councillor has called for a proposed beach ranger to be stationed at a popular Achill beach throughout the summer.
Anna Connor gave an update to councillors about future for Keem Bay at the tourism strategic policy committee meeting last week regarding the challenges for the beach due to the increasing numbers of visitors since Covid.
As a result, there is an increased safety risk while there are also issues with traffic, parking, wild camping and lack of appropriate toilet facilities and funding is to be sought for the issues.
The employment of a seasonal beach ranger on a pilot basis is being developed as well as a wheelchair accessible toilet at the lower level of the beach.
Cllr Paul McNamara said that Keem Bay has won numerous awards, with the award-winning film Banshees of Inisherin being filmed on the island.
He said that local stakeholders and farmers have kept the island in pristine conditions and urged to promote the ‘Leave No Trace’ message to visitors to maintain the conditions.
Cllr McNamara added that last June bank holiday there were 168 tents and wild camping at the area while another 177 vehicles were parked at the beach and asked if the pilot scheme for a beach ranger can be in from the June bank holiday until the end of August.
