Gurteen Bay & Dogs Bay Conservation
Welcome to our Gurteen Bay and Dogs Bay Conservation GoFundMe.
Have you ever walked, gone for a swim or explored the headland in Gurteen Bay or Dogs Bay? Have you ever thought about what it would be like if our natural tombolo was no longer there due to coastal erosion? This will unfortunately be the reality if we don’t act now.
Our beaches are recognised as world class and receive year round media attention, they are an attraction for tourists and are of significant importance to the local economy of Roundstone and the Connemara region. We need our beaches and we want them to be enjoyed by locals and visitors for generations to come. To achieve this, we need your support but first a little about us and the actions that need to be taken to save our Special Area of Conservation.
Background:
In the 1990s and early 2000s the original Local Beach Committee comprising of Joe Rafferty, Pat Mullen and James Conneely undertook extensive projects. Marram grass was planted, fencing was erected and stone gabions were placed along one section of Dogs Bay beach. These actions were proven very successful in protecting and regenerating part of a highly degraded dune system. Fast forward to 2021, we reignited the ambition of the original Local Beach Committee and formed the Gurteen Bay and Dogs Bay Conservation Committee.
Who are we?
We are a local committee aiming to implement a practical and comprehensive conservation management plan to save our beautiful beaches from environmental and human erosion.
Members: Kieran Mullen, Cynthia Vaughan, Áine Vallely, Ann de Courcey, Lorraine de Courcey and Shay Conneely.
Why do we need to fundraise?
Any budget that remained from the original Local Beach Committee was used this year for new signage, new gates and temporary fencing. There is simply no budget remaining to implement our Conservation Management Plan.
What is the plan for the funds?
There is a huge project ahead of us to save our beaches, our top priorities are the following jobs:
1. We need to remove the old fencing from the headland, it’s currently hazardous to humans and animals.
2. We need to install new fencing on the headland to keep animals off the sand dunes and to have clear access pathways.
3. Sustainable chestnut fencing is then needed to re-establish the sand dunes and to save them from further collapse.
4. Replanting of marram grass is then needed to stabalise the dunes.
How can you help us?
PLEASE DONATE. The cost of our ambition is substantial and we are relying entirely on goodwill as we have been unable to secure Government funding. The generosity of the local community and visitors is greatly appreciated, every single euro raised will help us to get one step closer to ensuring we save our beaches.
PLEASE SHARE. To help raise awareness and to get the word out there about our goal, please share our GoFundMe link far and wide.
We’ll ensure to bring you along the journey to see where your valued donation goes, keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram for progress and news updates.
Thank you for your donation, the support will make a difference and it means so much to us.
Gurteen Bay and Dogs Bay Conservation Committee.