Mayo islands have the potential to rival the Blaskets claims council official

The Inishkea islands off the Mayo coast have a potential to rival the Blasket Islands as a spiritual location for visitors to the county if they are developed to their potential.

That is the opinion of Michael O'Boyle, the Head of Marine in Mayo County Council who told local councillors that he is working hard to develop the marine facilities on the islands.

The Inishkea Islands are located 3km off the southern end of the Mullet peninsula and were once the centre of early Christian monastic activity. The islands were largely abandoned during the 1930s but at least two people live on the island and the population increases during the summer with a number of tourists visiting them.

Speaking at the monthly meeting of the Westport/Belmullet Municipal District, Mr O'Boyle said he acknowledged that the islands have huge potential and he was working with stakeholders to tap in on that potential.

“I have worked very hard over the last three years dealing with the stakeholders. There is a huge potential around the islands similar to the Blaskets in Kerry. It is amazing how they have promoted the Blaskets, which are similar to Inishekea, as a spiritual home. There is a huge potential around our island particularly the Inishkea islands but also some of the islands in Clew Bay which are really unique.

“In terms of heritage they are effectively world heritage sites and are world renowned so there is a lot of complexity on how we go forward to develop,” he said.

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Local councillors Seán Carey and Gerry Coyle both told the meeting that the pier on the island is deteriorating and needs upgrading.

“Inishkea pier is in a bad state of repair and essential works need to be carried out,” said Cllr Carey. “There are tourists in and out on a daily basis in the summer as well as farming activities. It is important work is carried out.”

Mr O'Boyle accepted that the pier needs to be upgraded and was looking at ways of doing that while dealing with other 'complex' issues.

“I am currently getting design work done to see what is the best way to deal with it [pier]. It is very exposed and it needs to be upgraded and I am moving it forward.

“The infrastructure needs to be developed in terms of catering for the increased awareness and pressure to utilise the island. It would be timely if we start to focus on the complex individual issues that are around the island. It is a huge priority for me and I am working as hard as I can on it within the resources I have,” he said.

The meeting also heard that the Marine Department of Mayo County Council was looking to upgrade the infrastructure on other smaller islands in Clew Bay and were working closely with government departments to secure funding.

Mr O'Boyle added that the pontoon which was installed at Dugort on Achill Island was a huge success and has since been upgraded such was the impact it had. He said that the council were also working on developing pontoons at Blacksod and Tullaghan and hoped to have funding for them next year.