The lack of a Blue Flag and an Environmental Protection Agency rating of poor for Ballyloughane beach in Renmore is the result of years of "neglect".
This is the view of Fianna Fáil Galway City East councillor, Alan Cheevers, who is calling on the Galway City Council to seek funding to carry out works to improve the status of the beach.
His call follows Ballyloughane's failure to win a Blue Flag - unlike Ladies Beach in Salthill and Silverstrand - and the EPA's classification of Ballyloughane as 'poor' in its Bathing Water in Ireland report for 2019.
'For residents and for tourism on the east side of the city, investment in Ballyloughane is vital'
“Ballyloughane has suffered from years of comparative neglect when compared to the care and attention given to the beaches in Salthill and Silver Strand," said Cllr Cheevers. "The lack of a Blue Flag and the poor classification of the beach are a direct result of this neglect. I find it impossible to accept that in 2020 we cannot find the proper solution to rectify the issues that are resulting in poor water quality results at Ballyloughane.”
Cllr Cheevers said there are a number of issues at Ballyloughane that need to be addressed, such as poor facilities, no proper toilets, no proper disabled access, or changing rooms.
"For residents and for tourism on the east side of the city, investment in Ballyloughane is vital," said Cllr Cheevers. "Ballyloughane has truly become the Cinderella of Galway beaches and the Residents deserve better.”
