New bylaws in Co Kerry will mean an end to singing on beaches and a ban on unauthorised barbecues, a councillor said yesterday.
The beach bylaws in Co Kerry were adopted by a narrow majority yesterday, and are to be in place before the summer.
This is despite warnings from Fianna Fáil councillor Paul O'Donoghue that the laws were "draconian" and "sweeping".
Mr O'Donoghue, a solicitor and brother of Tourism Minister John O'Donoghue, said beaches were places of fun and recreation, and the laws would seriously embarrass Co Kerry.
The laws prohibit playing a musical instrument or singing for gain. However, they also ban any activity that could be considered a nuisance.
"For God's sake, let us enjoy our beaches. These laws are far too draconian. This is the nanny state gone too far."
Mr O'Donoghue said under the new laws a person "can't sing" because it might be considered a nuisance, they could not have barbecues, and age-old traditional regattas and community gatherings on beaches would be prohibited.
He also questioned a proposal to prohibit skateboards and kite boards and windsurfing in close proximity to bathers.
The council's director of environment, Philip O'Sullivan, said the council was "not setting out to go overboard".
However, the county had 13 blue flag beaches, and the laws were an attempt to deal with nuisance activities. Traditional activities such as summer barbecues by sports clubs and regattas would be allowed where groups first notified the council.
He said the laws would not be easy to enforce, but the council was looking at employing beach guards and lifeguards. Gardaí would also have a role.
Under the new bylaws, horses are to be banned from fragile sand dunes except in limited areas where it can be shown no damage can occur. On the beach, horse riding is limited to below the mean high-water mark.
There is also to be a ban on quad bike racing. Sand removal as well as the control of water skis and fast power craft are being dealt with by ministerial order and national legislation.
Camping on beaches is also banned, as is driving on to beaches except at a designated area on Inch beach. On-the-spot fines of €50, payable directly to the council, are to be imposed.