Excitement ahead of boat being sunk off Mayo coast to create artificial reef
THE sinking of a boat in Killala Bay to create an artificial reef is creating a lot of interest and excitement.
The MV Shingle has been making its way to Killala Bay today ahead of a scheduled sinking of the vessel tomorrow.
The opening of the valve on the MV Shingle is due to take place between 3 and 3.30 p.m., with an expected sinking time of two hours.
Grainne Uaile Sub Aqua Club and Search & Recovery Unit provided the update on their social media in response to queries from other clubs about viewing the sinking.
There will be no diving allowed at the site until confirmation is provided by third party survey engineers that it is safe to dive.
Commercial divers will review and survey the boat once it is sunk, they said in an update, and will then provide a report of when it will be safe to dive.
Minister Dara Calleary commented on the excitement building in Killala as the vessel made her way to Killala Bay to begin a new life as an international tourism attraction on the seabed.
He paid tribute to Councillor Michael Loftus, his colleagues in Grainne Uaile Sub Aqua Club and Search & Recovery Unit, Ships2Reef, and all who have spearheaded this ambitious and unique project.
Said Minister Calleary: “I am delighted to have been able to play my part in making this a reality through negotiation with Revenue, Mayo County Council, Sligo County Council, Department of Justice, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Department of Community & Rural Development.
“Funding has been secured from the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme and I am fully committed to further assisting in making this a world renowned diving and marine life attraction.”
In a post on his social medial Councillor Michael Loftus said: “This marine reef will bring significant benefits to Killala Bay and the surrounding areas in many ways. Not only will it enrich our marine environment, but it will also open up exciting opportunities for tourism, recreation, and marine research that will benefit our region for years to come.
“The sinking of the MV Shingle on Wednesday marks a remarkable achievement for a dedicated group of volunteers who gave their time to make this vision a reality: Christy McDonagh, Tony Healy, Pat Coughlan, Tony Boland, Peter Loftus, Mikey Loftus, Ray Reddington, John Garrett, and Councillor Joe Queenan. This project would not have been possible without their hard work and commitment.
“I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Revenue Commissioners, who recognised the potential to put this boat to use for the benefit of our community, to Minister Dara Calleary who, when needed at a crucial time, was there for us, as were the CEOs and staff of both Mayo and Sligo County Councils, particularly those in the planning, marine and tourism sections. Special thanks also to the Department of Marine, Heritage Section, Alyssa, and MARA for their support and collaboration throughout this project.”