Swimmers in Portumna have complained that their legs are being caught up in overgrown underwater reeds, endangering their safety as they swim from jetty to jetty.
Last evening, Independent Cllr Declan Kelly called for the immediate clearing of the bank of underwater reeds from the swimming area in Portumna.
Cllr Kelly has said that several swimmers have been in contact with him about their legs getting entangled in the reeds.
“We have a wonderful amenity in Portumna with the swimming area which has seen large numbers of swimmers frequenting it during fine weather," he said.
"Unfortunately, however, there has been a fairly strong growth of underwater reeds between the two jetties at the swimming area.
"As a result, I have received quite a number of phone calls from concerned swimmers who have reported their legs getting entangled in the reeds as they swim from jetty to jetty.
These reeds have grown to the extent that a number can be seen above the surface of the water and I understand that some work has taken place at this area and that about two barrowfuls of reeds have been removed and taken away. Clearly, however, there is much more to be done as there is a danger that a swimmer may get into difficulty and be unable to free their legs.
Cllr Kelly added “I have therefore contacted Galway County Council and requested that the underwater bank of reeds be removed immediately so that local and visiting swimmers can enjoy the amenity with the most enhanced level of safety”.
