Plans to ban dogs from beaches across north Dublin were last night rejected by Fingal councillors, against the advice of county management.
The county managers had proposed to ban dogs during the summer months from Dublin's most popular beaches, including Portmarnock, Donabate, Rush and Skerries.
The ban would have applied to all dogs, except guide dogs, whether on a leash or not, from 11am to 6pm during June, July and August. Dog owners contravening the bylaws would have been liable to fines of up to €1,250.
The restrictions were proposed by county management in an attempt to prevent dog attacks on vulnerable children using the beaches during school holidays and to reduce the amount of dog dirt littering the sand.
Councillors rejected the ban and voted by 11 to 7 to allow dogs on the beaches at all times during the year, as long as the dogs are under proper control. However, they agreed that dogs should be kept on a leash within reserved bathing areas during the summer months.
Fine Gael councillor Anne Devitt, who supported the restrictions, said dogs and dog walkers should not be put ahead of children's welfare.
