Parking pressures in Kinvara are set to intensify following a proposal to introduce a five-metre setback at the village pier, restricting access for non-pier-related parking due to safety concerns.
The dock, which operates as both a working pier and a key parking area, faces partial closure after concerns about subsidence and structural instability were raised by pier users and supported by a recent council survey.
At this week’s meeting of the Loughrea Municipal District, Cathaoirleach Cllr Paul Killilea (Fine Gael ) warned that Kinvara is already “snookered for parking,” with schools and the wider community relying heavily on the quay.
“We already have two school buses, if not three, parking down by the quay. This closure is going to add considerable issues for Kinvara during school pick-up time,” he said.
Describing the daily struggle for spaces as “carnage,” Cllr Killilea said he would be “strongly disagreeing that the pier be closed off on a daily basis” without alternatives.
“Surely, we should be protecting the little bit of parking that we have; we are, after all, trying to promote the economic viability of the businesses in the village. This is going to impact those businesses,” he added.
Senior engineer with Galway County Council, Tom Prendergast, said the recommendation followed professional advice after concerns were raised by pier users.
“In relation to Kinvara pier, it is a working pier. The proposal will seek a five-metre setback. Some concerns were brought to us by pier users of subsidence and malfeasance. The opinion of the survey was that the pier should not be used to avoid collapse.
“The plan is to obstruct that area; some investigation to be done,” he said.
He also highlighted operational safety issues. “There are people working on that pier in close proximity to cars parked that are not tied to pier use, which also raises safety concerns,” he said, confirming that it is “not safe to load that section of that pier.”
No clear timeline
Councillors expressed frustration at the absence of a clear timeline. Cllr Geraldine Donohue (Ind ) said certainty was essential.
“While safety is paramount, if there is a weakness in the pier and a risk to those who use it, works need to be carried out, but a timeline is what we need. We don’t need another case like Dunguaire Castle, which has been closed for three years,” she said.
“In terms of timeline, I can’t give one because it depends on the assessment,” said Prendergast.
A consultant is ready to be appointed, he said, and once approved, would begin work. “It is possible that there may not be significant works required, but I cannot say that. They may come back and say the subsidence has stabilised and needs no major action.”
Cllr Gerry Finnerty (Fianna Fáil ) warned of economic consequences for one of South Galway’s busiest villages.
“Kinvara is one of the few villages that is vibrant in South Galway. There are festivals there and we can’t afford to lose the visitors. We need to assess it and get the funding in. We are probably looking at big money here, not Mickey Mouse money,” he said.
Cllr Killilea acknowledged the expertise behind the advice but stressed wider implications.
“Not being flippant, experts have knowledge, but I am being cognisant of the fact that if there is a potential for collapse, there is a potential for collapse. The castle being closed, no on-street parking and that car park being closed — we are choking the economic activity in the area,” he said.
He asked: “If that five-metre zone is designated as unsafe, what part is safe to park on? If we close off that five-metre stretch, is the pier closed?”
Prendergast clarified: “It is being left open for those working in boating, its primary function is a pier, not a parking area,” adding that parking would be limited to unrestricted areas and crane lifting of boats would no longer be permitted.
Cllr Donohue proposed revisiting the matter in two months as the community awaits clarity on safety works and the future of the amenity.
