Sir, - Corballis Beach, Donabate, Co. Dublin has been awarded the Blue Flag for this year and, as such, Fingal Co. Council spend a lot of time and money maintaining it for public enjoyment during the summer. Its proximity to the fast expanding towns of north County Dublin means that people are coming in ever-increasing numbers all the year round, to get away from the pressures of life and enjoy some peace and tranquility.
However, the trappings of modern opulence are taking over and this beautiful beach is fast becoming a noisy and dangerous place. As soon as families arrive they are entertained to the noise pollution of jet-skis/Water-bikes. As they bounce across the waves, they sound like chainsaws in the act of felling trees. Their owners bring these bikes on trailers attached to cars and launch them off Corballis Beach, where children and families are playing and paddling. Corballis residents and visitors believe a serious accident is waiting to happen here. We are aware that in recent years there have been many fatal accidents recorded on European and American beaches as these craft are largely unregulated and uninsured, and there is nothing to stop a child from riding one.
Not only do jet-skis/water bikes destroy the tranquility of beaches, they also endanger our wildlife, as the wash erodes estuary shores and floods birds nests. Is it too much to ask that these craft be banned from all areas of particular importance for wildlife and nature conservation and from all beaches monitored for water quality under EU. directives? Legislation is necessary and has been introduced in other countries in some cases after fatal accidents - we don't want this to happen here. - Yours, etc., John Stone, Chairperson,
Corballis Residents Association,
Donabate,
Co. Dublin.