Achill pier requires investment

THE pier at Dugort in Achill requires investment.

The call came from Councillor Paul McNamara who explained how there are two ferry boats operating out of it and Blacksod.

If the wind is north easterly they cannot operate because they have to board passengers from a small punt at the pier in Dugort to the passenger boat, he told a Westport-Belmullet Municipal District meeting.

He asked that Mayo County Council would look at putting a temporary pontoon at the pier in Dugort for use during the period of May to September.

“It is a massive opportunity to link up north Mayo going forward with Achill Island,” said Councillor McNamara.

They could look at a ferry service in the years ahead operating from Blacksod and bringing the traffic right over to Dugort. That needs to be looked at.

If the pontoon doesn't happen the ferry operators would not be in a position to operate next year for health and safety reasons.