MV Shingle to be sunk in Killala to create Ireland’s first artificial reef

THE MV Shingle which will become Ireland’s first artificial reef is expected to arrive in Killala Bay later this afternoon (Tuesday) and is expected to be sunk on Wednesday.

The ex-smuggling ship is currently enroute to Killala Bay having left New Ross Harbour on Sunday and is expected to arrive in north Mayo today (Tuesday). The ship will then be sunk on Wednesday afternoon at approximately 3.30pm to become Ireland’s first artificial reef.

The MV Shingle hit the headlines in 2014 when it was seized by the Revenue Commissioners after 32 million smuggled cigarettes and 4.5 tonnes of tobacco were found on board with a potential loss of €14m to the exchequer.

Revenue were due to scrap the ship, but it agreed to make it available to Killala Bay Ships 2 Reef Ltd, which is a company set up by local diving enthusiasts who looked at creating an artificial reef for diving in the west of Ireland.

Those behind 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.

The 60-metre steel-hulled cargo boat has since undergone thorough preparations including environmental procedures making it eco-friendly and fit for purpose as an artificial reef. The go-ahead to sink the boat was given in July when Mayo County Council granted planning permission for the project.

Cllr Michael Loftus shared the above video on social media of the MV Shingle just off Erris Head on it way to Killala Bay. He said: "This great video of the Shingle passing Eagle Island was taken by Padraic Cowman while his father Pat was doing the flying."

Artificial reefs have been in use around the world since the days of the Roman Empire initially to increase fish stocks and later for recreational diving. These deliberately sunk manmade structures are quickly colonised by marine life, beginning within a few hours. Algae and coral are followed by a complex community of fish and larger marine life which is very attractive to both the diving and fishing communities.

Cllr Michael Loftus, who is a member of the Gráinne Uaile Sub Aqua Club, first raised the possibility of creating an artificial reef for diving at a tourism SPC meeting in 2018. He praised both Mayo County Council and Sligo County Council and the Revenue Commissioners for getting behind the project and believes the creation of the artificial reef will be a huge tourist attraction for many years to come.

Long road

“This project of creating Ireland first artificial reef marine has been a long and hard road but with the cooperation of the Revenue Commissioners, Mayo and Sligo County Councils, MARA, Ocean Sands Hotel Enniscrone and our Marine Engineers AYESA, Killala Bay Ships 2 Reef Group are looking forward to seeing the benefits this project will bring to Mayo and Sligo,” he said.

The Meavagh Boat Yard Donegal have been given the task of sinking the boat which will be then anchored to the seafloor by four large anchors.

The Acting Director General of Customs and Revenue Commissioner Ruth Kennedy stated that Revenue were delighted to donate the MV Shingle to the Killala Bay Ships 2 Reef group to support its efforts to create an artificial reef in Killala Bay and are very pleased to be involved in ‘this unique and exciting project’. 

Chief Executive of Mayo County Council, Kevin Kelly welcomed the project saying the local authority is delighted to be part of this exciting development in Killala Bay.

“The creation of Ireland's first marine artificial reef is a new and exciting initiative and is a testament to the power of partnership and the dedication of all involved in getting it to this exciting stage.

“This reef will be of enormous benefit to Killala Bay and the county as a whole in a number of ways. This new artificial reef will not only enrich our marine environment, it will also provide exciting new opportunities for tourism, recreation, and marine research for years to come,” he said.