Coroner again raises concern about River Moy jetty

THE Coroner for North Mayo, Dr. Eleanor Fitzgerald, has written to Kevin Kelly, CEO of Mayo County Council, expressing concern about a jetty on the River Moy, Ballina, where there have been a number of recent fatalities.

The jetty is located at Bachelor’s Walk. A number of people have died in recent times by entering the river there.

One of the latest fatalities was a 50-year-old-man who entered the river and was drowned last March despite efforts by relatives and a member of An Garda Síochána to stop him.

Garda Peter Kearns risked his life by jumping into the water to save the man. The garda was afterwards treated in an ambulance at the scene before being brought to the accident and emergency unit of Mayo University Hospital for medical treatment.

At an inquest into the man’s death in Ballina, coroner Dr. Fitzgerald repeated calls for remedial action or the removal altogether of the controversial jetty.

Evidence was heard at the inquest that the jetty was dangerously slippery on the day in March when efforts were made by Garda Kearns and others to prevent the casualty from entering the water.

Dr. Fitzgerald said she was wondering whether the jetty is safe enough to be allowed remain where it is and explained she has written to the CEO of Mayo County Council on the issue.

After returning a verdict of death by suicide, the coroner noted the bravery of Garda Kearns who tried to talk the victim out of entering the water and then risked his life by jumping into the water to grab him.

Dr. Fitzgerald also praised the rescue services and local volunteers for their prompt action in searching for and retrieving the body from the water.