IN a statement released today, Kilkee Chamber has said it is unlikely there will be diving boards at Newfy before the end of the summer season.
The statement said, “Kilkee Chamber of Commece are still working with Clare County Council to ensure diving boards will be erected at ‘Newfy’, however given the time constraints we accept it is unlikely they will be in place for this summer.
“While unfortunate that this is the case, we completely understand it is impossible for Clare County Council to accept liability for the diving boards if they are not deemed suitable for this location.”
It outlined the difficulties that have been encountered.
“Last year, following on from damage to one board, the Kilkee Chamber of Commerce elected to replace the boards and used a crowdfunding mechanism to do so, it was very well subscribed to by people from all over the world who have a connection to Kilkee.
“Replacement boards were purchased from the same manufacturer to the same specification as previously and these were delivered in late June. However, in the meantime a routine scheduled risk assessment was carried out on all the bathing areas in Kilkee which included the diving boards at ‘Newfy’.
“This highlighted a number of safety issues which had to be addressed by Clare County Council such as safety railings and exit ladders, another issue was that the boards would have to be approved as ‘fit for purpose’ and ‘suitable for erection at the location proposed’ by the manufacturer. This was a new requirement and had not been a factor previously. Unfortunately, the manufacturing company is not prepared to authorise these boards as fit for purpose at this location. “
Owen Ryan has been a journalist with the Clare Champion since 2007, having previously worked with a number of other publications in Limerick, Cork and Galway. His first book will be published in December 2024.