Gardai and public representatives have condemned widespread littering at Inishowen beaches despite the locations being closed to the public because of the coronavirus lockdown.
Huge crowds flocked to beaches all over Inishowen to take advantage of the good weather on Sunday and Monday with many travelling from Northern Ireland.
While car parks at the beaches were closed, motorists parked along the main roads to gain access to the shorefront.
A Garda spokesman said it was clear that most of those visiting the beaches and beauty spots had broken the Republic’s 5 km Covid-19 travel restriction.
"Gardai from Buncrana district have been patrolling beaches and beauty spots over the Bank Holiday weekend (in the Republic) and will continue their patrols today," he said.
“They have noticed that some beaches have been left in a deplorable state with litter. These beaches and beauty spots are to be visited only by those living within a 5 km radius and the only things that should be left behind are footprints. Do not destroy our beautiful landscape with litter. Take your rubbish home with you please.”
The issue was also raised by Inishowen Sinn Féin councillor, Jack Murray. Mr Murray said visitors to the area had undermined work by local people to keep the areas tidy.
Mr Murray said: “It’s extremely angering for people in the local community. I was out for a walk on Saturday morning and I met dozens of Tidy Towns volunteers who were giving up their day in the good weather to make Buncrana absolutely immaculate and then, in such a short space of time, a crowd of people just show complete disregard for all the work they’ve done and left their rubbish all over the beach.
“It’s an insult to them and it’s disgraceful behaviour.”
Mr Murray said a lot of people from outside the area visited the area over the weekend.
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The main road between Newcastle and Dundrum cars parked everywhere. Never seen it as bad. Like a Bank Holiday on steroids
— Gareth Gordon (@BBCGarethG) June 2, 2020
