Local groups are urged to keep piers and slipways clean
Local groups keep slipways at Ballina Quay clean.
A senior official with Mayo Co Council has suggested that volunteer clubs and aquatic sports groups should play a greater role in ensuring slipways at piers and harbours around the county are kept clean.
Head of the Ballina Municipal District Declan Turnbull made his comments at last week’s municipal district meeting where Cllr Jarlath Munnelly called for the slipways to be urgently cleaned. His motion was supported by Cllr Michael Loftus who said as a diving enthusiast, he uses the slipways frequently.
“You are taking your life in your hands coming down the steps at Kilcummin Pier, which is covered in green algae,” he said.
Mr Turnbull said the council's marine section is in discussions with local staff who can carry out the works but added that frequent users of the facilities should play a role in their maintenance.
“At the Quay here in town, local groups take turns to clean up the slipways and it is more than what our staff can manage. If the groups using these facilities everywhere on a regular basis can agree to clean it, it would go a long way,” he said.
“We were told we can’t clean it,” said Cllr Loftus.
“Well I give you full permission to clean it,” replied Mr Turnbull. “A lot of community groups do it in Ballina from time to time.”
