Calls for beach changing hut for sea swimmers at popular Louth beach
Calls have been made for the provision of a changing hut for sea swimmers at Blackrock as the summer season approaches in the coastal Louth village.
The issue was raised at the latest meeting of Dundalk Municipal District, where Cathaoirleach Cllr Robbie Nash said improved facilities are needed at the popular Priest’s Beach.
“We need to look at providing a changing hut at the beach,” Cllr Nash said, noting the growing number of people using the area for sea swimming throughout the year.
He pointed to similar facilities that have been installed in coastal locations such as Laytown and Bettystown and said Blackrock should also be considered.
Cllr Nash said he first raised the issue last year and asked Louth County Council to explore any possible funding opportunities to deliver a suitable changing facility.
Earlier in the meeting, Cllr Shane McGuinness raised separate concerns about the condition of the beach area, highlighting issues linked to dumping of concrete from works carried out at a nearby development in previous years.
He asked if remedial works could be undertaken to improve the area ahead of the Entente Florale competition, warning that the current situation “is very dangerous”.
Responding on behalf of the local authority, Senior Executive Engineer Paddy Callan said he would raise the request for changing facilities with the relevant section of Louth County Council.
However, he cautioned that there are constraints on works at Priest’s Beach as it falls within a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), meaning vehicles are not permitted on the beach.
Mr Callan said that if there is appropriate natural screening in the area, the beach could potentially be considered for inclusion.