South Mayo town hopes to capture a slice of wild water action
BONDI Beach may be the world's most acclaimed surfer's paradise but an unlikely location – Ballinrobe – hopes to capture a small slice of wild water action.
The River Robe has the potential to create one or more river surfing waves near High Street/Bridge Street in the south Mayo town, according to Chris Harnesse who made a presentation to members of Claremorris Municipal District (MD) last week.
Outlining the Surf Anywhere concept, Mr. Harnesse said the location is ideal for the creation of river waves at minimal cost, in the region of €200,000.
He said recreational river use is an untapped resource for Ballinrobe that can relatively simply be tapped into with the creation of good waves and river access.
The project, Mr. Harnesse continued, would create a destination for river users and become a venue for surfers and participants from all over Ireland.
According to experts, Ballinrobe could have surfable waves for an average of 154 days per year, mostly between November and February.
“Building good waves in Ballinrobe would create an ongoing draw for tourists to visit and spend time in Ballinrobe,” writes Neil Egsgard, president of the international Surf Anywhere organisation in a document which Mr. Harnesse circulated to councillors, officials and the press at the MD meeting.
Responding to a question from Padraig Flanagan, head of the Municipal District, Mr. Harnesse said the construction of a dam would not be necessary. All that would be involved, he continued, would be 'the moulding of the river bed ever so slightly' in order to create the necessary waves.
Mr. Harnesse estimated that 20 or 30 'lads' could carry out the necessary work in a matter of days.
Councillors unanimously endorsed the proposal as outlined by Mr. Harnesse, with Councillor Gerry Murray, cathaoirleach, pointing out that 90% funding is available for feasibility funding on such projects.
Councillor Patsy O'Brien heartily supported the proposal, describing it as 'very positive', while Councillor Richard Finn described the idea as 'highly innovative'.