Byelaw ban on dogs at Blue Flag beaches to take effect from June 20

The controversial ban on walking dogs at Kerry’s 15 Blue Flag beaches in peak summer season will come into effect from Monday, June 20.

t had been thought the new byelaws – passed by Councillors at a special meeting of Kerry County Council (KCC) in May – would start on June 1.

However, a four-week statuary period must elapse from the time the laws are passed.

The restrictions will apply daily from June 20 until September 15 between the hours of 11am and 7pm.

The ban only applies to the stated timeframe and within Blue Flag beach areas.

Designated through-ways around Blue Flag beaches, where people can still walk dogs, will be signposted. 

Non-Blue Flag beaches are not affected by the new bylaws. 

KCC is also thought to be in the process of preparing a short video for social media to explain the new rules to the public.

The bylaws are targeted at reducing the risk of contamination caused by dog faeces that will protect the long-term status of blue flag beaches.

KCC explained this is not a ban on dogs or on people using beaches. Instead, the law is about meeting the criteria needed for the protection of the beaches.

A total of 43 public submissions were received by KCC that were against introducing restrictions on dog walking, four submissions were in favour of the byelaws.

Assistance dogs are exempt from the law.