Time running out on plans to create Ireland's first artificial reef in Killala Bay

TIME is running out on the prospect of Ireland's first artificial reef becoming a reality due to delays in processing a maritime licence application to sink a ship in Killala Bay.

Killala Bay Ships 2 Reef Ltd, which is made up of a group of diving enthusiasts, have applied for a maritime licence to the Marine Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) to sink a disused ship in Killala Bay and make it Ireland's first artificial reef.

The ship they hope to sink is the infamous smuggling ship, MV Shingle which is currently the property of the Revenue Commissioners and currently in dry dock in New Ross, Co Wexford. The ship was seized in 2014 after customs officers discovered 32 million packets of cigarettes worth €13 million on board the 60 metre long vessel.

While the Revenue Commissioners have agreed to make the ship available to Killala Bay Ships 2 Reef Ltd to sink, they have given the group until Friday, April 19 to have the MARA licence in place or the ship will be scrapped.

Crossmolina-based councillor Michael Loftus, who is involved in Killala Bay Ships 2 Reef Ltd, said that the application for the licence was submitted in December and urged MARA to expedite their application to ensure the opportunity of creating Ireland's first artificial reef is not lost.

“We have worked with the Revenue Commissioners on this for a number of years and they have been very supportive of it and recognise the potential this can bring to both Mayo and Sligo. The ship is in dry dock in New Ross and is being prepared to either sink it in Killala Bay or be scrapped. There is only a short window where they can keep the ship in dry dock and we have been told if the licence is not in place before April 19 it will be scrapped,” Cllr Loftus told The Mayo News.

“If we get the licence and the planning to go with it, we would hope that the ship will be sunk in Killala Bay in June or July and if that happens it will be huge to the area. It will be worth 12,000 bed nights per year to Killala, Ballina and Enniscrone with divers from all over the world coming to dive in Killala Bay.

“There is strong support for this project within both Mayo and Sligo County Councils who recognise how much potential this will have for tourism. We estimate that the current investment in it will have paid for itself within two years and the Revenue in fairness recognise that and that is why they have been very receptive to us,” he explained.

Killala Bay Ships 2 Reef Ltd have invested up to €35,000 of their own money into the project and they have also received €50,000 in funding from Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) towards it.

Cllr Loftus added that the Revenue have agreed to do most of the work on the ship to clean it and make it environmentally safe to sink and diver friendly. They have also agreed to transport it to Killala Bay in preparation of sinking if the licence is granted in time.

The application for the maritime licence normally takes 90 days to process and Cllr Loftus urged the Department for Housing, Local Government and Heritage and MARA not to let this opportunity pass.

“It would be a major mistake if the Shingle is scrapped because of delays in the department and it will be a lost opportunity for outdoor tourism around Killala Bay. This will provide employment to boat people around Killala Bay in bringing divers to the reef site and diving centres will emerge in Killala, Ballina and Enniscrone.

“There are similar artificial reefs in places like Malta and Cyprus where divers flock to and we can have a similar reef experience on our doorstep. The Revenue have worked with us to get the best outcome for Shingle to create Ireland's first artificial reef that will generate a major attraction and be financially beneficial to Mayo and Sligo.

“It would be a huge shame if this would not happen because of an administrative delay and I would urge the Minister and the civil servants to please grant the licence in time,” he said.