The public are being urged not to walk on the dunes at Bertra beach this summer.
The dunes at the popular beach overlooked by Croagh Patrick, located between Westport and Louisburgh, are being eroded for a number of reasons but primarily due to climate change and overuse.
Dr Kevin Lynch of the Geography Department at the University of Galway has been working with local community groups in the area, volunteers, Mayo County Council and relevant government departments to look at ways to reduce further erosion, as the dunes play a vital role in the local ecosystem.
Together they have come up with a set of environmentally friendly actions to address the problem and to raise awareness around the importance of the dunes, and a vision for Bertra beach into the future.
Dr Lynch gave details of the “Bertra Vision” to councillors at this week’s monthly meeting of West Mayo Municipal District.
Afterwards he spoke to Midwest News Editor Teresa O’Malley....
