To BBQ or not to BBQ? That is the question

To BBQ or not to BBQ? That is the question – and as of this moment, if the BBQ is at any of the lakeshores in this area, then the answer is a hard no.

Not everyone thinks there should be a ban on barbecues, however – and the subject was hotly debated at the July meeting of the Mullingar Kinnegad Municipal District, where Cllr Emily Wallace argued strongly that there should be designated areas at the lakeshores where food can be cooked.

The chamber was firmly divided on the issue, and as things stand, no reversal of the rules is possible without an amendment of the lakeshore by-laws, which, as became clear at the meeting, is not something that has any chance of happening in time for the rest of this summer.

Cllr Wallace’s motion proposed that the district introduce a pilot initiative to install and trial designated, purpose-built public barbecue facilities at selected lake shore locations in the district.

Her motion stated that the trial could aim to protect the county’s high-amenity areas from the scorched grass and wildfire risks caused by disposable units, while simultaneously enhancing managed outdoor recreation infrastructure for families and visitors.

She pointed out that providing designated areas would counter the current “huge” issue of unregulated barbecues.

The official written response from the district ruled out the suggestion, stating firstly that the by-laws, made in 2012, specifically prohibit the lighting of fires at lakeshore areas.

Another concern was, the district said, that public barbecue facilities had the potential to increase litter, food waste and associated vermin infestation, placing further pressure on sensitive lakeshore environments and amenity areas.

“Such facilities would also generate additional carbon emissions and would not align with the objectives of the Westmeath County Council Climate Action Plan, which commits the Council to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting sustainability and protecting biodiversity.”

The response went on to state that community wardens continue to maintain a strong enforcement presence at the lakeshores.

Cllr Wallace admitted to being “very disappointed” at the response, pointing out that other locations around the country have managed the barbecue issue successfully, among them Curraghchase in Limerick, Kilbroney Park in County Down, Powerscourt in County Wicklow, Curraghchloe Beach in Wexford and Corkagh Park in Clondalkin.

“I was hoping that we could run the pilot from May to September next year,” she said, adding that it was necessary to look at how to add value and keeping people at the lakes for longer.

Cllr Julie McCourt supported Cllr Wallace’s call: “[Barbecues are] happening anyway whether regulated or not, and it would be safer, obviously, if there was designated spaces for people to come and enjoy our lakeshores,” she said.

Cllr Bill Collentine also thought it would be a good idea to have designated spots: “I think it saves the whole lot from litter and burning and fires and everything else,” he said citing his experience visiting one in Wisconsin which users had to book in advance.

Not as convinced was Cllr Aoife Davitt, although she saw some merit in a system such as that described by Cllr Collentine, so that the usage was well regulated. Cllr Davitt said her fear was for the implications for livestock on farms near the lakes if people did not behave responsibly.

Also unenthused by the suggestion was Cllr Mick Dollard, who said the council is stretched at present – but would be even more so if it had to supervise this. “We simply don’t have the wherewithal; we don’t have the staff to make those things a reality.”

Cllr Ken Glynn also had reservations, adding that in his view, if the by-laws were to be amended, it should be in the sense of adding to them, not removing sections: “We cannot have a situation where people are going nilly willy there and they’re starting fires and coming in from outside the county, spending then two or three nights there and can’t be moved on because they’re intoxicated so they can’t drive. This is an ongoing problem. This is happening, not just in one lakeshore: it’s happening in them all. That’s the reality,” he said.

Cllr David Jones said he could see both sides of the argument. Given that the dynamics were changing, it was time for discussion on the by-laws.

Cllr Wallace accused the district of being “stagnant” in its approach: “It’s like we have our two hands tied here and we’re afraid to actually make brave decisions; to say, ‘let’s trial this’. And that is my suggestion, is to trial this; to see yet how it would work. I know it’s done in other locations. I have packed up the kids and gone down to Lough Key with a barbecue, where they have barbecue stations in Lough Key Forest Park, and spent the day down there.

“We need to be thinking bigger. And we cannot let a minority of people bully us off our lakeshores. That is wrong.

“If we need to look at our budget allocations to have our wardens, extra wardens on site, especially during summertime, we need to be looking at that now. We need to be reviewing our lakeshore by-laws, not waiting 14 years. And that’s why I’ve said this,” she said.

Backing for Cllr Wallace came from Cllr Alfie Devine, who said that as it is, people are taking barbecues to the lakes and they’re lighting fires.

“And Lough Lene in particular, it’s mayhem over there. And in fairness to the wardens, they’d have to be there nearly every day – which they can’t be – to enforce what needs to be enforced with the by-laws.”

Cllr Denis Leonard was also of the view that a designated area is needed, arguing that makes regulation possible – something necessary if only for the prevention of wildfires.

Council official Mary Goldsberry said the official response still stood: “Look, we have no objections to the likes of picnics and that, but barbecues, it’s a different kettle of fish.”

She said barbecue stands had been installed at Coosan in Athlone, but the experiment was unsuccessful, leading to littering and infestation, she told the meeting.

Continuing, she said if members wished to review the by-laws it would have to be discussed at SPC level because it affects the environment and affects Athlone.

Members agreed with Ms Goldsberry’s suggestion that the barbecue issue be discussed during the review of the summer strategy, and from there, recommendations could be brought to the SPC for consideration.