Councillor asks for ID to be assigned to Donegal beaches following ‘traumatic event’

Councillor Brian Carr has called for an individual identification number to be assigned to beaches to accurately direct emergency services, following a “traumatic event.” 

The Sinn Féin Councillor also asked for Donegal County Council to review emergency vehicle access and ensure all safety equipment, such as life buoys, is regularly inspected and maintained at beaches. 

“I  experienced a traumatic event at a beach three months ago,” Cllr Carr said. 

At Tramore Beach, Cllr Carr, his wife Marie, their children, Ben, 9, and niece Amelia, 10, had gone for a swim when a strong current suddenly swept them out. Cllr Carr entered the water in an attempt to reach them, but the further he went, the stronger the current became, pulling him out to deeper water. 

Four local boys noticed the emergency and quickly responded, and they were brought safely back to shore. 

Brian Carr pictured with three of the four lifesavers at the Water Safety Ireland Awards held last month 

“Because of this, I have noticed certain things that are overlooked; there are gaps in these areas that could cost lives. We are fortunate to have so many blue flag beaches in Donegal, but there are still so many beaches that lack attention.

“During the incident, my wife, Marie, called 999 - she was asked for an eircode, beaches don't have eircodes,” Cllr Carr continues. “She had to give an eircode for our home address, a few km away, and hope someone would see the ambulance.

“Marie was on the phone for seven minutes and then had to request a helicopter. Luckily, a resident personally contacted the Malin Head Coast Guard. This could have been avoided if there was a number that could give emergency services the exact location.

“I'm asking DCC to lead on this, a simple universal location code for beaches and persons across the county - this saves crucial minutes that will save lives 

“A simple sign on a beach that could be given to emergency services, eg, beach 40. The coding system is needed, an ID number for beaches.”

Cllr Carr wants these actions to apply to all beaches used by the public across the county, highlighting that Donegal accounts for 18 per cent of the coastline or 1100km.

“Tramore in Rosbeg, where my incident happened, is not a blue flag - there are attractions close by and none of these beaches have emergency access - that's in my area alone,” Cllr Carr continued. “When the ambulance arrived for my incident, they were 1km away and they had to run the length of the beach with the lifesaving equipment. The same applies at Dooey - helicopter evacuations are required. 

“So, I ask for DCC to review access to beaches for emergency services.”

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Councillor Noel Jordan seconded the motion asking for an identification system and a review of the safety equipment. 

“I know this was a traumatic experience for Brian and the family. It is great to have him back in full health. These beaches have large volumes of tourists. The location code is a great idea. Only for that household redirected the helicopter to Rosbeg - Cllr Carr's life was greatly in danger.”

DCC have committed to working with the Irish Coast Guard, consulting with Cllr Carr and Emergency services and will have an update early next year.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme