Plans to sink a warship in Killala Bay to develop a top-class diving attraction have been floated again.
The Ships 2 Reef project was first mooted almost a decade ago. It involved sinking a warship to create a man-made reef and underwater wreck to attract scuba diving tourism to the region.
Now, Ballina Municipal District candidate Michael Loftus, one of the project’s original promoters, says the idea should be revisited and developed as part of the Wild Atlantic Way.
The Fianna Fáil candidate made the remarks after the recent announcement of €640,000 to create a 'discovery point' at Downpatrick Head in North Mayo as part of the Wild Atlantic Way.
Mr Loftus said he welcomed the development at Downpatrick Head but called for further support for the Ships 2 Reef project to be included as a Wild Atlantic Way attraction.
“The artificial reef project proposed by Ships 2 Reef should be an integral part of the Wild Atlantic Way,” said Mr Loftus.
“It is a unique and exciting plan to promote water tourism. The project is about sourcing, preparing and sinking a ship to create a reef for visiting divers from across the globe. This truly is a special project and one which will be a global attraction,” he outlined.
