Lakeshore crackdown shows ‘bite’ at council

A total of 17 fines were issued for breaches of lakeshore by-laws in 2025 as Westmeath County Council step up enforcement measures – an approach councillors say is beginning to change public behaviour.

An update on the Mullingar Kinnegad Municipal District Summer Strategy for 2026 heard that the introduction of seasonal wardens has led to improved compliance at popular lake amenities, and a stronger enforcement approach is planned for the months ahead.

Presenting the strategy, district official Mary Goldsberry said wardens will again patrol lakeshores from May 31 to August 31, working to protect the natural environment while ensuring by-laws are followed.

She confirmed that 17 fines were issued last year after initial attempts to encourage compliance failed, and nine of those fines were paid. The wardens will work alongside An Garda Síochána and the National Parks and Wildlife Service during the busy summer period.

“We are definitely going to be firm with people on the ground this year,” she said, noting that the “bedding-in period is over” as the initiative enters its third year.

Cllr Niall Gaffney said the issuing of fines demonstrated that the council approach was “not all just bark – there is bite,” adding that while enforcement powers exist, there remains a need to get the message out to the public.

The strategy also includes a renewed focus on awareness, with social media campaigns, upgraded signage and the introduction of audio alerts at locations including Lough Owel and Tudenham.

New signage targeting persistent issues such as barbecues and illegal dumping has been installed following feedback that existing notices were not sufficiently visible. Variable message signs will also be used to highlight rules such as the ban on camping.

Operational measures include daily bin collections at lakeshores and enhanced coordination with wardens at evenings and weekends.

Among capital projects planned for 2026 are improvements at Collinstown, where land acquisition is under way for a major amenity development, and at Ladestown on Lough Ennell, where accessibility upgrades are due before the summer season.

Councillors broadly welcomed the strategy but raised a range of ongoing concerns.

Cllr David Jones called for double yellow lines along a new footpath at Lough Lene to prevent illegal parking and ensure emergency access, while also highlighting safety concerns around fishing from jetties in swimming areas.

Cllr Aoife Davitt praised the “phenomenal” improvement in behaviour at Ladestown, saying there had been “a mindset change” among visitors, but pointed to continued issues such as parking on grass areas and the need for further investment in facilities.

Cllr Alfie Devine stressed the need to address traffic congestion at Lough Lene, warning that access routes can become blocked even when parking spaces are available, and said the lake was now “probably one of the best swimming inland water lakes in the country… getting more popular every year”.

At Tudenham, Cllr Ken Glynn called for stronger enforcement, suggesting fines should be repeatedly applied where breaches continue. “We need to be a little bit firmer,” he said, adding that rules must be enforced “not at the expense of local people.”

Cllr Andrew Duncan raised concerns about large gatherings organised via social media, particularly on bank holiday weekends, and Cllr Emily Wallace said wardens were “invaluable” in reinforcing that “bad behaviour… will not be tolerated.”

Other issues highlighted included speeding on narrow access roads, the need for clearer signage, additional amenities such as toilets and slipways, and the potential for designated barbecue areas.

Responding, Ms Goldsberry said measures such as road markings, additional facilities and stronger enforcement would be examined, while funding opportunities would be pursued for future development.

She also urged the public to report breaches via the council’s dedicated hotline, with calls triggering alerts to community wardens.