Concerns raised in wake of incident at Mayo leisure facility

A Mayo councillor has called for a report into safeguarding measures at a swimming pool following a recent court case.

The comments from Cllr Harry Barrett came following an attempt by a man to take a photo of a teenager while she was changing in a cubicle at the Lough Lannagh Leisure complex in Castlebar. A 42-year-old man received a suspended jail sentence for attempting to take a photograph of the minor.

“What happened has caused huge upset and concern. I want to make it clear that this is not about blaming any staff in that facility in any way. Staff work hard every day and many parents rely on the facility. However, as councillors we have a duty to make sure every possible step is being taken to protect children and families using public facilities in this town and area,” he told a meeting of Castlebar Municipal District.

The Independent councillor asked council management to prepare a full report for the next monthly meeting outlining what safeguarding measures are currently in place at the facility.

He said he wants to know if any weaknesses in procedures have been identified and if additional monitoring measures are being implemented. 

Cllr Barrett also queried what staff training is in place and if any support or communication has been provided to impacted families.

Cllr Barrett said he believes visible staff supervision is required.

“Parents need reassurance that proper oversight is in place,” he stated. “The public need confidence that lessons have been learned and every reasonable measure is being taken to ensure this can’t happen again,” Cllr Barrett added.

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.