Appeal for barriers on Mayo piers when not in use during winter months

A Mayo Oireachtas member has appealed for urgent action in respect of the maintenance of piers and harbours.

It follows the recent death of Joachim McNulty who drowned in a tragic incident after losing control of his vehicle on a slipway at Belderrig Pier in north Mayo.

Stated Senator Mark Duffy: "I acknowledge the efforts of the firemen in Crossmolina, Belmullet and Ballina who attended the scene, supported by the Grainne Uaile Sub Aqua Club.

"However, there is a lack of maintenance of piers, whether it is lighting or power washing and cleaning.

"The point has been made to me about putting barriers in place at times of year when the pier is not being used actively.

"If you go into a filling station bathroom, a notice on the back of the door will say it was last cleaned by such-and-such on Tuesday. That basic standard should be applied to piers.

"There should be a standardised approach and a service level agreement with local authorities and contractors to put adequate lighting, proper safety barriers and a proper cleaning schedule in place, to ensure it is safe for pedestrians, tourists, fishermen and women, and anyone on the pier.

"If the government is not satisfied with the local authorities, we need to summon the chief executives of the authorities, who are failing people in coastal communities."