Appeal for action to upgrade popular south Mayo swimming spot

An appeal has been issued for improvements to be made at the popular Cahir Pier in Ballinrobe.

A lot of locals and visitors use that area for swimming and Councillor Patsy O'Brien has received many requests from people that use the facility to look for funding to upgrade the area.

The Roundfort-based representative stated: “I was surprised to hear that there has been a lack of investment in it since 1978, this shocked me.

"The slipway is in very bad shape and needs pointing immediately. There is erosion of the slipway also while access is very poor.

"Anyone with a disability cannot be catered for here. Along with all of that, a walkway around it has disintegrated. Investment is badly needed.

"I have raised the matter with Mayo County Council. Over the years we have got funding for a lot of areas such as this and Cahir Pier deserves its turn.

"The council recognise that €1 million has been set out for piers and harbours at seven locations across the county. I am asking that they draft a design to make Cahir Pier safe and enhance it.

“It was widely used during Covid lockdown and during times of fine weather.

"It is on Lough Mask and we have a great swimming club in the area as well as a water sports group. I have asked the council to work with state agencies to get the maximum funding available for this area which is important in south Mayo.”