West Mayo pier damaged in recent storm

A councillor has blasted Mayo County Council for failing to take action on a West Mayo pier before it suffered storm damage.

Cllr Chris Maxwell said he first reported erosion problems at Lecanvey Pier to the local authority in October 2025. A site visit followed but no action was taken. Cllr Maxwell said he had raised the matter again at a meeting of Westport-Belmullet Municipal District earlier this year.

"I pushed for answers as to why works had not commenced quoting the old saying 'a stitch in time saves nine'.

"I was told Lecanvey Pier needed further inspections and that there was no indication of immediate risk to the overall stability of the structure. However, arrangements were being made for a detailed structural survey which would determine any repairs necessary,” stated the Louisburgh councillor.

“After the weekend’s storms, it is very apparent that 'the stitch' hadn’t come in time,” he added.

Cllr Maxwell fears that a “small job has turned into a massive one” and he is concerned that the pier itself could be undermined, noting that the rock armour could be torn apart this winter. He is calling for immediate repair work to be carried out.

“If the relevant authorities listened to the councillors on the ground and acted this could have been avoided,” the Louisburgh councillor remarked.