Beach ranger to be employed at iconic Mayo beauty spot

A BEACH ranger is to be employed at Keem Bay on a pilot basis under a new management plan for the iconic visitor location.

A feasibility study for a walking trail from the beach to the look-out and Achill Head, having a wheelchair accessible toilet in the lower carpark, a signage audit and interpretation plan telling the stories of the bay, and parking management are also included in the plan.

An upgrade of the existing toilet facilities has already gone to tender at municipal district level.

Details of the visitor management plan were presented by tourism officer Anna Connor at a meeting of Mayo County Council's tourism committee.

The growth in popularity of Keem has presented challenges, from traffic and parking to wild camping and fires, and the toilet facilities being under pressure.

The key pillars of the plan are to renew, protect, respect and enhance was is an SAC and a heritage area, in collaboration with local stakeholders.

With Fáilte Ireland, visitor numbers will be monitored this tourist season and they will be creating awareness around good visitor behaviour.

Counts of traffic and walkers will be undertaken, with traffic management also being looked at.

Local Councillor Paul McNamara said protecting and enhancing Keem is most important and they were trying to promote the concept of Leave No Trace and protecting the landscape. He paid tribute to the farming community and other stakeholders who have preserved it.

The appointment of a beach ranger were very important, he added, and he asked that they be in place for the June bank holiday until the end of August.

The lack of a strategy for the sea itself was commented on by Councillor Michael Loftus, a keen diver. It is a niche that needs to be looked at, he said.