New floating pontoon launched at Ballina’s Quay

THE new floating pontoon at the Quay in Ballina has been launched.

The pontoon is located in one of the most picturesque parts of the town on the eastern side of the River Moy in a scenic and peaceful setting.

Performing the official opening, the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring, said: “This pontoon will be a superb addition to the town of Ballina which is superbly located along the banks of the picturesque River Moy.

"This new addition to the town will help bring more of a focus on and help to attract people to the town’s idyllic riverfront setting.

“Ballina is the starting point to commence exploring the Wild Atlantic Way, the Monasteries of the Moy, Killala, the Ceide Field, Ballycastle and Foxford Woollen Mills. It also has the distinction of being designated as “Salmon Capital of Ireland” since 2008.

“The pontoon will come into use for both locals and the many visitors attracted to the river Moy. I commend Mayo County Council for its role in delivering this wonderful addition to the town of Ballina.

“Last month, the CSO published figures that showed a nearly 8% increase in the number of overseas tourists visiting Ireland.

"The figures are reason to be very optimistic for our tourism industry’s future with just over 6m overseas visitors from January to July. This represents nearly another half a million visitors compared to the corresponding period in 2017. ”

The cathaoirleach of the Ballina Municipal District, Councillor Michael Smyth, was fullsome in his praise of everybody involved in the project.