Warning over 'emergency' situation on Inishkea Islands
The weather-beaten remains of the school on Inishkea South Island.
An Erris-based councillor has warned that landing facilities need to be improved on the Inishkea Islands to facilitate local tourism providers.
Fine Gael Cllr Gerry Coyle made his comments during a discussion on the Mayo Maritime Strategy 2040 at a meeting of Mayo County Council's Enterprise and Economic Development Strategic Policy Committee last month. Describing the situation as an "emergency", Cllr Coyle said: “There is a fantastic boat tourism safari operating to the Inishkeas. It really is a sight to behold to see these boats go out, but very soon they will not be able to land on the islands."
The council's Head of Marine Michael O’Boyle assured members that the local authority is working very closely with the Department of the Marine to invest in Mayo's islands.
“Inclusivity is a big part of that and we are making great progress on the islands.”
As to strategic assessments for works on coastal infrastructure, he said: “We really depend on central government to fund those and we have to line up for that, so this year it is Roonagh and we hope to do more.”
In relation to the Inishkea Islands, he said: “We are working very hard with the Office of Public Works and the Parks and Wildlife Service to move that forward and hope to have some progress soon.”
- Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
