Upgrades to take place at award-winning Mayo beach
A Council executive has described Keem Bay as a 'jewel in the crown' of west Mayo
An Achill-based councillor has called for public toilets to be opened this month at Keem Bay Beach to accommodate the footfall it has been receiving as a result of recent international acclaim.
Fianna Fáil Cllr Paul McNamara said Keem Bay has enjoyed major success this year after it was named in the top 100 beaches in the world by leading travel guide , as well as worldwide recognition for its prominence in the Oscar-nominated film . He said Mayo Co Council has to help to realise the beach's potential by providing sufficient support.
“It is important to support Keem Bay with proper infrastructure. I would ask the executive to open the toilets from the February bank holiday weekend on and to keep them maintained.
“Keem is a spectacular place filled with natural beauty and is the place to go, not just in the West but in all of Ireland. It is suggested on Google Maps as soon as you fly into any of our airports.”
Westport-based Cllr Christy Hyland supported Cllr McNamara’s comments.
“What is good for Achill is good for Westport. It is important that whatever funding is needed is granted,” he said.
Head of the Municipal District Padraig Walsh said the council recognises the significance of Keem Bay and is at the advanced stages of a detailed management plan for the beach.
“We acknowledge Keem as a jewel in the crown of this district. We have funding in place for the toilets and the council's tourism section is at an advanced stage in devising a management plan for the entire Keem site,” Mr Walsh told councillors.
