Members of Belfast Coastal Reserve Action Group (BCRAG) were accompanied by Senator Janet Rice for the protest, which saw about 20 residents and activists form a human barricade to stop trainers accessing the beach.

BCRAG member Shane Howard said the blockade prevented horses from using Killarney beach, but the trainers simply “reversed back up and continued on down to The Basin”.

He said this was emblematic of the broader problem – that if trainers can’t use one beach, they would just use another.

“They’re spreading across the Belfast Coastal Reserve, from East Beach to the Cutting – we fear they will just shift to another part of the reserve (once a ban is in place at Killarney),” Mr Howard said. 

“That’s not a solution. 

“We don’t believe any part of the reserve is safe.” 

Moyne Shire mayor Colin Ryan blasted BCRAG’s blockade, calling it a “stunt” and “unhelpful”.

“I’m disappointed with what happened,” Cr Ryan said.

“Everyone is working in the spirit of co-operation. What (BCRAG’s) doing is unnecessary – their attempt to grab headlines by putting on a stunt like they did is unhelpful.”

South West Owners, Trainers & Riders Association (SWOTRA) spokeswoman Tammy Good said it was disappointing BCRAG had become “more militant” but understood their concerns.

“It’s a little bit disappointing because right now we’re in the middle of delicate negotiations with government departments and, like BCRAG, we’re trying to get a resolution to the problem,” Ms Good said.

“We hope to have that decision made before the end of November … and if we could have got through the next four weeks with the status quo that would have been helpful. It’s a bit disappointing BCRAG has become more militant right at this point in time.”

SWOTRA had agreed to be off Killarney beach by December 1 ahead of an expected Moyne Shire prohibition vote on December 20. 

Senator Janet Rice said she was baffled as to why the State or Federal Government hadn’t stepped in.

“There is both state and federal law on the side of the people and the wildlife on the beaches that needs to be enforced,” Ms Rice said.

“The impact (horses) are having on these beaches is really significant and local people are fed up. 

“(The authorities) need to act for the local people and for the local birds.

“There are a lot of campaigns where you know the law isn’t strong enough to protect what needs protecting but in this case there is state legislation to protect the hooded plovers, as well as federal legislation and even international law.”