Call for emergency bye-laws to prohibit overnight parking at Achill's Keem Bay

An urgent call has been made for emergency bye-laws to be put in place to prohibit overnight parking at Keem Bay in Achill - one of Ireland's best loved beaches.

Local Councillor Paul McNamara is seeking talks between Mayo County Council and An Garda Siochána to draft and implement the bye-laws as swiftly as possible.

His appeal follows two consecutive Sundays in which the road to the beautiful location had to be closed by local gardaí for an extended period due to traffic issues as well as health and safety concerns.

Councillor McNamara said: "Keem Bay is sadly becoming a victim of its own success.

"One of the main problems is that it's been turned into a private amenity by a minority when it needs to be retained as a public amenity for the majority.

"I have been flagging the situation for a long time and action is still awaited in respect of addressing my concerns.

"The first step that need to be taken before next weekend is to prohibit overnight parking at the location.

"This needs to be followed up with new bye-laws governing the location while a clear traffic plan must be put in place.

"Keem Bay is not equipped to deal with the number of visitors it it now getting at weekends and the provision of additional car parking - while helpful - would not address the situation.

"I am appealing to the council to act straight away and bring an emergency plan in place to stop the weekend chaos at one of our greatest tourism assets," he added.