Mayo's small piers becoming a health and safety issue

THE poor condition of many piers around Mayo has been highlighted by Achill-based Councillor Paul McNamara.

In his area, there are 12 piers which, he told a committee meeting that deals with matters marine, have fallen into a 'terrible state'.

Up until 30 years ago, Mayo had an active fishing industry and now the small piers are left and a lot of them are becoming a health and safety issue. Some have no running water for the few fishermen who are left, there's no proper access, and no ladder facilities.

Asking whose ownership are they still in, he felt they could be a tourist attraction as well as servicing the fishing community.

The piers in Achill were a disgrace. In Achill Sound, at the main fishing harbour, the pier was falling into the tide.

He had requested a ladder access at Bunncarurry pier, but it hadn't happened.

The pier in Doogort has had three charter boats operating a service for tourists between Achill and Blacksod all summer, linking up the two with tours, including the Inishkea islands. Passengers had to be taken out to the ferries on a small boat, but the service was in jeopardy for health and safety reasons that could be resolved with a pontoon at the head of the pier.

Councillor Ger Deere agreed that the Clew Bay Trail was a fantastic facility, but piers are an issue and small upgrades could bring huge dividends.

Head of marine Michael O'Boyle said he has commissioned a study around what was raised with regards Achill and Blacksod to look at that, and to put a plan in place around developing pontoons.

He has also commissioned a study to look at dredging, in towns like Killala, Belmullet, Westport and Newport, and how it can be done in an environmentally sustainable way.

Mr. O'Boyle agreed some of the small piers need a lot of work. Funding has been targeted around the busiest piers.