The potential of a legislative approach to managing beach use: The case ofbeach bylaws in the Republic of Ireland

The ways in which people use beaches have important implications for coasta l zone management, and in order for beach use to be sustainable, it often n eeds to be managed. The degree and mode of management depends on the circum stances of the beach, region, and country in question. The present legislat ion and coastal zone management framework in Ireland has shortcomings when in comes to managing beach use. One way of working within the present syste m to improve coastal management is through the use of bylaws managing beach use. They provide an opportunity for an integrated management approach tha t can focus on beach use, reflect the needs of the local community, and avo id the problems caused by the land-sea divide and the division of responsib ility in the coastal zone.