Gorey Guardian: Close Wicklow beach for nine months a year to protect seals, animal welfare charity says

An animal welfare charity has called for a beach in Co Wicklow to be closed for nine months of the year in a bid to protect a colony of seals. 

Seal Rescue Ireland has raised serious concerns about the presence of humans and dogs at Bride’s Head beach – a coastal area commonly used by seals to rest and rear their young.

Last year, Wicklow County Council agreed to close the rocky beach to the public during mating season between August and December for the first time.

But Melanie Croce, executive director of Seal Rescue Ireland, believes the ban should be extended until the end of April.