Developments at Rosmoney pier have been completed and the newly constructed pontoon was finally commissioned for public use on Wednesday last.
Attending the event were members of the Rosmoney Pontoon Group committee who spearheaded this project almost four years ago with the support of South West Mayo Development company and Mayo County Council.
The Rosmoney Committee was made up of locals, islanders, individuals, and interested parties in the community – the members included chairman Damien Cashin, Rory Casey, Donagh Waldron, Ciaran Collins, Joe Gibbons of Inish Lyre, Bob Kilkelly, John Mullee, Hugh Golden, Mary Gavin Hughes, Paddy Aylward, and Eoghan Cunningham. From South West Mayo Development company chairman, Michael Biggins from Glencorrib, attended the event as well as board member Councillor Austin Francis O’Malley, CEO, Gerry O’Neill, and project officer, Sue O’Toole who worked with the group to access grant funding under the LEADER /Rural Development Programme. Representing Mayo County Council were Martin Keating, Kieran Lynn, Michael Mongan and Joe Kelly.
In 2009 a tragedy on the pier sparked the formation of the committee and the Rosmoney Pontoon group made up of locals, interested parties, community groups, private individuals, leisure and commercial users of the pier, to take action to increase safety and access at the pier.
The development consists of a floating pontoon and ramp with safety railings, a new water source and power facilities which makes it feasible for boats and water craft to moor at Rosmoney, including local supply and fish farm vessels. A special aspect is that people with reduced mobility will be encouraged to take part in water activities, especially older people who are retired and visiting tourists.
There are five inhabited islands in the bay whose residents will enjoy the benefits of this new amenity immediately, there is also increased access to Glenans as well as to The Adventure Islands— an adventure activity company also supported by South West Mayo Development Company.
Currently there are more than 100 marine craft of various descriptions moored in Rosmoney, following the completion of this development the amenity will increase access for visiting yachts and motorboats.
