Key decision awaited on plans to sink ship off Mayo coast
The MV Shingle has been held by the Revenue Commissioners for almost a decade.
A north Mayo tourism project is waiting to hear if it will receive a licence to move a ship into Killala Bay as part of its plans to create an artificial reef.
Killala Bay Ships 2 Reef has been working for the last five years to get the MV Shingle to Killala Bay to create what would be Ireland’s first artificial reef.
Last Tuesday, the ship was moved into the dry dock at New Ross boatyard to be either scrapped or prepared to be towed to Killala Bay for sinking. Killala Bay Ship 2 Reef requires a Maritime Area Consent (MAC) licence from the Maritime Regulatory Authority (MARA). An application was submitted last November but a decision is awaited.
Cllr Michael Loftus said they are hopeful about the MAC licence.
“The Revenue Commissioners have been working with us to get the best outcome for the Shingle, creating Ireland's first artificial reef that will generate a major attraction and financial benefit in Mayo and Sligo. It would be a major mistake if the Shingle is to be scrapped because of a delay in getting the MAC's licence from MARA. Time is running out.”
