​Behaviour concerns cast shadow over busy summer at Tipperary lakeside

Councillors have appealed to parents to speak with their children about respecting Dromineer's harbour and amenities after a series of incidents involving antisocial behaviour threatened to tarnish one of Tipperary’s busiest summer destinations.

The issue saw lengthy discussion at this month’s meeting of the Nenagh Municipal District, where elected members praised the popularity of the lakeside village but warned that the actions of a small minority were affecting residents, visiting boaters and families enjoying the facilities.

While councillors stressed that hundreds of people are using Dromineer responsibly each day, concerns were raised about youngsters jumping from harbour structures, vandalism, reckless behaviour on the water and the impact the situation is having on tourism.

Cllr Joe Hannigan told the meeting there had recently been discussions with the Dromineer Residents’ Association about safety around the harbour.

"I think there's a need for a floating pontoon outside the breakwater to allow people to dive into the water safely, with a ladder so they can easily climb back out again," Cllr Hannigan said.

"At the moment, people are moving over to where the boats are to get in and out of the water, which is far from ideal.

READ NEXT: Tipperary community set for long-awaited Uisce Éireann upgrade

"Even installing a ladder on the outside of the breakwater would be an improvement, but I think it's something that should be looked at."

However, councillors said the more immediate concern was the behaviour of some visitors.

Councillor Louise Morgan said members of the Dromineer Community Association were becoming increasingly frustrated.

"There was a message up this morning that youngsters were jumping off the jetty into the water, scraping the mud and smearing it all over different sides of the boats."

Cllr Morgan appealed directly to parents.

"I just ask parents to please have a chat with their children before they go down to Dromineer, just to respect the area and other users and boaters because it's extremely important.

"We want tourists to keep coming back year after year. It's a beautiful facility with lifeguards down there. It's fabulous to see people having picnics and enjoying the place."

Councillors also highlighted incidents elsewhere around Lough Derg, saying similar problems had arisen at other popular amenities.

Addressing members, Rosemary Joyce said damage caused by a small number of people was becoming a recurring problem.

"In Garrykennedy somebody put a disposable barbecue into one of our big belly bins and set it on fire," she said.

"Out in Castlelough people are lighting fires and the grass areas are ruined with patches of burning.

"This kind of behaviour isn't acceptable. We want people to enjoy the amenities, but they must respect them.

"It's great to see people using the amenities and enjoying the weather. They're fantastic facilities, but people have to remember these are public amenities for everybody and not for their personal use where they can do as they like and walk away."

The meeting also heard reports of dangerous behaviour involving jet skis and swimmers entering busy navigation areas used by boats.

Councillor Seamie Morris described witnessing an alarming incident.

"I came into Dromineer and a jet ski came out with two girls on it. We literally had to put the boat into reverse to avoid running into them," he said.

"The recklessness of people swimming where boats are going in and out. I just can't understand it.

Questions were also raised about whether CCTV cameras were operational at the recently developed toilet and shower facilities, and whether additional patrols could help during periods of exceptionally busy weather.

Ms Joyce said any increased monitoring measures would need to be considered separately, adding that lifeguards could only concentrate on their designated swimming area.

"The lifeguards have a specific function," Ms Joyce explained.

"They are patrolling a particular area and that's where their focus has to remain.

"They won't be dealing with requests to keep an eye on other areas because if somebody gets into trouble within the designated swimming area, that's their job."

Responding to suggestions for additional diving facilities, officials said any proposal would first require a detailed risk assessment.

"It's not just a question of providing a facility," Ms Joyce said.

"You have to properly risk assess something like that. It's not necessarily a question of money either; it has to be the right thing to do.

"We'll take the feedback from the meeting and look at it."

Councillors were united in emphasising that Dromineer remains one of the county's premier tourism destinations and said they did not want isolated incidents to overshadow what has been an extremely successful summer season.

Councillor Phyll Bugler urged people to keep the recent problems in perspective.

"I want to take the conversation away from the small number we have been talking about," she said.

"We want people to use the area. We need people to enjoy it.

"There's been a lot of investment in the lifeguards and the facilities. We need people to respect the area, take away their rubbish, not bring disposable barbecues and remember there are residents living there too.

Councillors also reminded the public that dangerous or reckless behaviour on the water should be reported immediately.

Concluding the conversation, Nenagh MD Cathaoirleach Councillor JP O’Meara added that incidents involving jet skis or other unsafe activity should be reported by calling 999, ensuring they are logged on the Garda PULSE system so that appropriate action can be taken.