One of Co Donegal’s busiest beaches is to remain closed and will not have a lifeguard service this year.
Donegal County Council said Lisfannon beach, which was closed during the coronavirus lockdown, will not reopen because of storm damage to an access road and the parking area.
However, it confirmed that lifeguard facilities will be in operation at more than a dozen other beaches from this weekend.
Situated just outside Buncrana, the long strand is hugely popular with local people and cross-border visitors.
In recent weeks, people have ignored council warnings to stay off the beach and have parked cars on roadsides before making their way onto Lisfannon Strand.
A council spokeswoman confirmed that lifeguard services are to start at 13 beaches - Bundoran, Rossnowlagh, Murvagh, Fintra, Narin/Portnoo, Carrickfin, Killahoey, Marble Hill, Downings, Portsalon, Rathmullan, Culdaff and Shroove.
Donegal this year recorded the highest number of beaches in Ireland to receive Blue Flag status.
“Lisfannon will remain closed to the public due to storm damage to the access road and parking area and will not have a lifeguard service available for the 2020 season,” the spokeswoman added.
While the council encouraged people to enjoy the Donegal beaches, it urged the public to observe coronavirus guidelines.
“It asks that all are mindful of the ongoing need to respect social distancing, hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette in relation to Covid-19.”
