Mayo islands have 'potential of Blaskets'

The Head of Marine with Mayo County Council has described the potential of islands around the coast of Mayo as being on a par with the Blasket Islands in Kerry.

Michael O'Boyle made his comments during a presentation to members of Westport-Belmullet Municipal District.

Responding to marine infrastructure concerns on the Inishkea Islands off Erris, he remarked: “No one has put more time into the Inishkea Islands than I have myself. I’ve been working very hard on the whole project these last three years and dealing with a lot of the stakeholders. There is huge potential around our islands, similar to the Blaskets in Kerry and other islands in Donegal and Galway.” 

He continued: “It is amazing on the Blaskets how well they have promoted the islands, which are similar to Inishkea as a sort of spiritual home, with even our politicians visiting regularly. So there is huge potential and also our islands in Clew Bay are really unique. They are effectively world heritage sites and world renowned and there will be a lot of complexity in how we move ahead and develop the islands.” 

Cllr Sean Carey had pointed out that the pier at Inishkea was in a bad state of repair.

“I have been contacted a number of times about this. There are tourists going in and out daily and there is also a lot of farming activity with cattle and sheep going on and off. It is deteriorating every year and needs essential works.” 

Cllr Gerry Coyle agreed: “We all depend on our coastline and some vitally important works need to be carried out at Inishkea.” 

Mr O’Boyle agreed that the pier is very exposed but assured members he is getting design works done in order to establish how best to move forward with the project. He added: “Maybe it would be timely that we start to focus on the complex issues at play around the island. It is a huge priority and I am working as hard as I can on it within the resources available.”

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.