The closure of the main car park at Laga beach, one of Bizkaia's most frequented coastal areas, has generated significant discontent among local residents and visitors. This car park, which could accommodate approximately 200 vehicles, has been shut down as part of a project to expand the dune area, falling within the public maritime-terrestrial domain protected by the Coastal Law.

This action plan, deemed of general interest, is being managed by the Demarcation of Coasts of the Basque Country, an entity under the Ministry for Ecological Transition. The Basque Government, for its part, assumed jurisdiction over coastal management in 2025, and is therefore responsible for authorizing the installation of customary services such as craft stalls and beach bars.

The lack of parking has led to considerable problems, particularly on weekends and holidays. The secondary car park, known as El Pinar, can only hold just over sixty vehicles, proving insufficient for the massive influx of users. This situation has forced cars to park indiscriminately, blocking access to farmhouses and causing congestion in the urban center of Ibarrangelu.

The Town Council emphasizes the need to reconcile the environmental protection of Laga with measures to ensure universal accessibility. Consequently, they consider it essential to develop a mobility plan that includes dissuasive parking options and enhanced public transport, among other actions, before the commencement of the works.

In response to the dune area expansion project, citizens have formed the platform 'Laga bakean laga' ('Leave Laga in peace'). This group has organized a series of protests, starting this Saturday at 11:30 AM in front of the beach, to denounce the environmental impacts of the Coastal Demarcation's project and demand that Laga be left as it is.