Warnings that heatwave traffic could bring a 'serious tragedy' to Dundalk beaches
Sinn Féín councillor Antóin Watters warned that heavy traffic could block emergency services from accessing the beach.
A Dundalk councillor has warned that there could be a “serious tragedy” due to heavy traffic at a Dundalk beach during warm weather.
It comes ahead of a Status Yellow high temperature warning which could see temperatures of up to 30 degrees in some regions.
The warning came into effect at 12pm on Tuesday and is in place until 9am on Friday.
Sinn Féin councillor Antóin Watters said recent warm weather turned Templetown Beach into “chaos”.
Cllr Watters said there are issues with traffic and parking at the beach during warmer weather and said emergency services could be unable to access the beach.
“If it was an emergency and a fire brigade or an ambulance needed to get to Templetown, it wouldn’t happen and we could be dealing with a serious tragedy,” he said.
The Sinn Féin councillor for Dundalk/Carlingford told the June meeting of the Dundalk Municipal District that residents have contacted him saying they have taken an hour to get out of their houses due to heavy traffic.
“We’re trying to get people to come to our blue flag beaches...that’s not acceptable,” he said.
Cllr Watters said he has contacted Louth County Council management regarding a feasibility study to address the issues.
A spokesperson for the local authority said it would review the proposals and “see what can be done”.
Ahead of the warm weather, Louth County Council urged the public to:
- Stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day
- Take care near water – swim only in lifeguarded areas, never leave children unattended, avoid alcohol near water, and follow all safety signage
- Use water responsibly, as demand increases during warm weather
- Do not light fires in or near forests; use BBQs safely and report any fires by calling 999 or 112
- Be aware that thunderstorms are forecast, which may bring intense rainfall, localised flooding, poor visibility, and dangerous road conditions
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