Swimmers raise complaints about dogs entering water at popular facility

The development of a proper swimming area at The Point in Westport Quay has been a huge hit with people from all over the region, but not everyone is happy that dogs are also getting in on the act.

Local councillor Peter Flynn told the recent meeting of Mayo County Council's Environment and Climate Change Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) that he has had "so many complaints" about the issue in the past year.

"The Point is now used all year round for summer and winter swimming. However, some individuals are letting dogs off their leads, and they are fouling all over the place with their waste ending up in water and the tide. 

"While I love dogs and have no difficulty with dogs swimming around me, a lot of people have a fear of dogs, so I would like to know what is the situation as regards control of dogs and whether there is any regulation around it.” 

Cllr Flynn suggested that signage could be installed to make people aware that “not everyone is happy with dogs”, adding that The Point is “an amazing amenity where people are meeting every day to have that shared experience of life, if we could just ensure there is no stress attached.” 

Cllr Donna Sheridan said Mayo is lucky to have some of the most beautiful beaches in the country and that legislation around dogs specifies they must be under effective control at all times, but: “That does not legally mean they have to be on a lead.” She did not support bylaws that prohibited dogs from being on beaches, saying: “Dogs are very much a part of people’s families and these bylaws whereby we have to have times in the day when no dogs are allowed on beaches in case they go to the toilet and the owners don’t clean up is absolutely absurd when you consider that raw sewage is still being allowed to pour into Newport Bay. It is something you wouldn’t see on Killinaskully.” 

She added: “The dogs need a swim too, it’s good for them too and as long as they are under effective control, I think that is the important point.” 

Acting Head of Environment Tom McDonnell said he would discuss the situation with the dog warden and also look to see do if the harbour regulations cover dogs.

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.