The Association was formed in 2016 following the extreme stormy winters of 2013 / 2015 / 2016 where the coastlinewas battered by huge swells and strong on shore prevailing winds.
During the winter of 2015-2016 the council were summoned over 15 times to clear the roads from wind driven sand which had become inpassable.
It was clear that the dunes were taking an enourmous impact and were the only barrier protecting the community from the wrath of the winter storms.
A community meeting was held in February 2016 and various people were invited to talk including Dr Eugene Farrell of NUI Galway who specialises in coastal geomorphology. His talk and presentation helped galvanise the community into urgent action.
It was decided to form a community association to help work and highlight the issues that need to be addressed. Foremost was the protection and enhancement of the unique dune systems of the Maharees.
15 members originally voluntereed to the committee including:
Martin Lynch, Trish Browne, Ray Buckley, Sean Spillane, Denis Cronin, Pat Browne, Marie Lynch
O’Connor, Tom Scanlon, Aidan O’Connor, Eileen Walsh, Katherine Syme, Martha Farrell, Peter
Hennessy, Jamie Knox, Huw Roberts.