Regular cleaning of 'treacherous' Mayo slipways is demanded

A clean-up of all slipways in Mayo must be carried out as soon as possible, according to Councillor Jarlath Munnelly.

His notice of motion at a meeting of Ballina Municipal District, added that the council should create a schedule for the year for cleaning slipways.

Councillor Munnelly said powerhosing the slipways shouldn't cost very much but needs to be done urgently because slippery green algae on them is a real hazard.

Agreeing, Councillor Michael Loftus, Ballina MD cathaoirleach, said the slipways are 'chronic bad and dangerous'.

He added that, in Galway, the water safety officers organises inspections of slipways every two weeks and has put a cleaning programme in place.

That's something that should be looked at in Mayo as a whole, he suggested.

“We need a schedule (of cleaning) because the slipways are actually treacherous,” he concluded.

The head of Ballina MD, Declan Turnbull, said they have a marine section to look after piers and harbours. He acknowledged they have a budget but pointed out it's not all for cleaning.

He added, however, that it was his understanding the slipways would be cleaned as soon as possible, and highlighted that, in some places, community groups often help out in the cleaning process.