Council to ­replace Byrne’s Cove ladders

CLARE County Council is to replace two of the three recently displaced ladders at Byrne’s Cove in Kilkee. In a statement issued this week, the local authority said the cove is still accessible and that the ladders were removed by seawater.

Thousands of visitors are ­expected in Kilkee this weekend for the August Bank Holiday.

“There is one ladder remaining at Byrne’s Cove, which allows access to and from the water. In addition, the Cobble Beach also provides access to the water,” the statement read.

“Council engineers and water safety officer, Liam Griffin, recently met to discuss the ­procedure involved in ­replacing ladders that have been ripped from their ­moorings by the seawater, which is what has occurred at the Byrne’s Cove swimming area. Bearing in mind Clare County Council’s historical connection to the Byrne’s Cove swimming area and in particular the works which have been carried out there over the years by the council, it has been agreed that it would be prudent to have the ladders reinstated,” the statement added.

The council said they expect the two ladders to be in place within days.

“There is no definite design standard to work from as each ladder is bespoke to its own particular location. 

“A design drawing has been prepared and the council is presently awaiting a cost from the fabricator for two ladders, which will be installed in the coming week.

“The council will not be ­replacing a third missing ladder as it serves no purpose other than to facilitate diving from high rocks, something which the council does not encourage,” the statement concluded.