The key damaging issues identified during previous and recent site assessments were erosion primarily due to vehicle and pedestrian access and recreational pressure. Restrictions to access and recreational infrastructure are required to protect against damaging activities.

To date, vehicle access has been restricted by placing a series of poles to form a barrier and prevent cars accessing the dunes. A dedicated pathway leading to the beach is likely to provide a clear pathway to the beach that will be used by the majority of users wishing to access the beach area. This in turn will lead to a reduction in the level of use of other informal pathways thereby preventing further erosion in these areas and allowing them to gradually recover and revegetate.

The assessment concludes that there is no likely significant effect on the integrity of the Boyne Coast
and Estuary cSAC or the Boyne Estuary SPA resulting from the proposed pathway.

Appropriate Assessment Screening -Mornington Sand Dune Pathway – September 2013