Kilkee beach report due next week

CLARE County Council expects the Irish Water Safety Association risk assessment of the beach in Kilkee, including the possible health and safety dangers posed by diving boards in the West End and ladders throughout the resort, to be available next week.

In the meantime, the diving boards have again been removed. They were put back in place, after their initial removal, when the Irish Water Safety Association told the county council that it would be impossible to carry out a successful risk assessment without the diving boards or ladders.
The diving boards are part of Kilkee’s heritage and have been in place for approximately 70 years, without incident.
Two diving boards were removed from Newfoundout and two ladders were removed at the Pollock Holes a fortnight ago by Clare County Council. A further three ladders were removed from three separate locations; Burns Cove, Edmonds Point and George’s Head. The decision, which was taken by Kilkee town manager Nora Kaye, was revealed at the June meeting of Kilkee Town Council. The action was met with impassioned opposition in Kilkee.
The council now says it will review the findings and recommendations contained in the assessor’s report, which it expects to receive next week.
“Irish Water Safety has responded very promptly to the council’s request to have an assessment carried out and the assessment took place over a two-day period. A number of key people in the area were given an opportunity to meet the assessor. Once the risk assessment report has been compiled and received, the findings and recommendations will be considered by Clare County Council. We expect to conclude such a review next week,” Liam Griffin, Clare County Council’s water safety officer explained.
Ms Kaye acknowledged the concerns raised by some members of the local community regarding the removal of the equipment but added that every effort would be made to conclude the safety review in the quickest time possible.