Seasonal Dog Control Orders
Seasonal dog control orders are in force from 1 June - 31 August (11 am - 8 pm) and require a dog to be on a lead on Ballyholme and Groomsport beaches.
On Ballyholme promenade, dogs must be kept on leads at all times.
Seasonal Dog Control Order - Ballyholme (PDF) [253KB](opens new window)
Seasonal Dog Control Order - Groomsport (PDF) [296KB](opens new window)
If you have any queries, please contact the Neighbourhood Environment Team on 0300 013 3333 extension 40408.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is does it only apply to Ballyholme and Groomsport?
The legacy North Down Borough Council created a seasonal dog control order effective from May 2013 following public consultation and debate and a specified statutory process. The order applied only to Groomsport and Ballyholme beaches.
The order only applies between the 1st June and the 31st August and between the hours of 11a.m. and 8 p.m. Being a measure to enhance shared use of the beaches during the busier season and the parts of the day when the beaches are more likely to be occupied by bathers and persons lying on the sand. Many dog walkers' avail of the morning and evening period when there is no on lead restriction.
Are there plans for seasonal dog control beaches on other beaches?
Ards and North Down Borough Council has not created any further seasonal orders and there are currently no plans to do so.
Crawfordsburn and Helen's Bay are very busy beaches, why are there no control orders in place at these beaches?
These beaches are managed by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, an executive agency within the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). Beach users should refer to signage in place at these sites for up to date information about any current restrictions relating to dogs on beaches.
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