The debate over whether cars should be allowed on certain beaches has come up again in Co. Donegal.
With Donegal County Council planning to close the road to Rossnowlagh for temporary roadworks this week, some people say they feel it should be closed permanently.
Rossnowlagh and Downings both permit vehicle access. Both have car-free zones for beachgoers’ safety.
Downings Beach
Incidents do arise over cars being swept away by the tide at Rossnowlagh and many locals would rather see these beach car-free as nature intended. Others enjoy the pleasure of parking right beside the water and having greater accessibility to the beach.
A public petition launched in June has over 6,100 signatures calling for Rossnowlagh to be a car-free zone. Organiser Angela Gallagher said the beach was so much more relaxed and cleaner during the Covid-19 closure. “There really is no valid reason to have vehicles on it,” she said.
There are mixed views on the matter. We want to know what you think.
Should cars be banned from beaches? Or are things fine as they are?
Take our Facebook poll here: