New beach mats have been introduced at Dublin's Dollymount strand aimed at providing better access for wheelchair and scooter users to the North Bull Island Nature Reserve and other beach areas.
The specially designed mats extend 125 metres onto the beach from the end of Causeway Road and will offer greater mobility on the sand.
The trial of the beach mats by Dublin City Council comes after a recommendation from the North Bull Island Oversight Forum to improve accessibility for beach goers with additional mobility requirements, both on the nature reserve and its 5km beach.
It is anticipated, subject to use and demand, that the mats will be extended further along the beach in the coming years.
Speaking at the launch of the initiative, Lord Mayor Councillor Alison Gilliland said: "I wholeheartedly welcome the addition of this important resource here on Dollymount Strand, at the heart of Dublin Bay Biosphere.
"Accessibility and inclusion should be at the heart of all our policies, and Dublin City Council is committed to making Dublin and its amenities more accessible for its citizens, particularly those with additional mobility needs."
A free beach wheelchair rental service is in operation at the North Bull Island, from 10am-6pm, during the bathing season of 1 June to 15 September.
