Thumbs up for west Mayo water sports activities centre

A PROPOSED water sports activities facility at Carrowmore beach outside Louisburgh has received a planning thumbs up from local councillors.

A number of queries about the siting of the centre at this location were clarified when a Part 8 planning application came before a local municipal district meeting.

The location especially had been queried - why was it not sited at Old Head or Carrowniskey.

Mayo County Council's sports tourism officer, Donal Newcombe, clarified that Carrowmore was the only possible location as centres had to be at blue/green flag beaches, the council had to have ownership of the land, there had to be two or more water sports activity operators at or near the site in 2019, and proximity to food/drink and visitor attractions was also a consideration.

Councillor Johnny O'Malley said a number of issues had been raised in the submissions received by the council, including roads, parking, the suitability of the area and concerns about waves at Carrowmore being too high and dangerous.

Councillor Peter Flynn said he felt the lack of engagement locally about the project had been a mistake and there has been a lot of misinformation.

He was supportive of the project but asked for clarifications, which Mr. Newcombe set out, as above.

Mr. Newcombe explained how 40 sites were identified initially by Fáilte Ireland around the country, with 22 ultimately chosen - Keel and Carrowmore in Mayo.

He agreed there were two other good beaches in the Louisburgh area.

However, Old Head had no blue flag and could not be considered, and there were environmental issues with Carrowniskey.

Facilities at the centres will include toilets, showers, changing facilities, an induction space to be used by water sports providers, external terrace and equipment washdown facilities.

Councillor Flynn said the update had made it clear as to why Carrowmore was chosen but the aspiration is that all locations will have outdoor facilities.

Councillor Brendan Mulroy said it was a fantastic project and given all the factors, Carrowmore was the only place it could have gone.

If not there it would have been lost to the area.

Councillor Paul McNamara said the centres were a much needed investment on the Wild Atlantic Way and it would really add to the locations to have these facilities for local people and visitors.

He asked for an update on the Achill project - that application will have to go to An Bord Pleanála and it is hoped to have it submitted in the next month.

An archaeological assessment was needed at the site and that is being finalised around now. When ready to go, the application for planning can be made to the board, he was told.

Councillor O'Malley, at the end of the debate, reiterated the need for consultation in progressing projects.

Director of services Catherine McConnell said there will be engagement.