Departmental response awaited over 'potential historical munitions' scoping exercise at Mayo lake

Mayo County Council has written to the Department of Defence regarding the need for a scoping exercise on potential historical munitions at Lough Lannagh, Castlebar.

A controlled explosion was conducted at the location last July by Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel.

A grenade, historic in nature, was discovered on the lake shore and reported to local gardaí.

The area, including the busy car park, was closed off to the public for an extended period due to the emergency.

Following the incident, the cathaoirleach of Castlebar Municipal District, Councillor Ger Deere, called on the Department of Defence to carry out a comprehensive scoping and clearance exercise for potential historic munitions in the lake.

He stated that when the British forces left Castlebar in the early 1920s, it is understood they dumped ammunition into the waters of Lough Lannagh.

A response is awaited from the Department of Defence.