North Mayo set for new floating pontoon this summer

A floating pontoon on the River Moy at Foxford is expected to be in place by summer 2027, after councillors cleared the way for the development at a meeting of Mayo County Council.

The proposed development consists of the installation of a floating pontoon on the River Moy, a hinged platform or gangway to access it, and all ancillary site works.

David O’Malley, Executive Engineer with Mayo County Council, said the pontoon is intended to support recreational activities such as kayaking and paddle trails. It will be located in the town, close to the town centre and off Main Street, making it easily accessible.

“We’re going to tender the construction works after today’s meeting,” Mr O’Malley said. “We’re looking for an installation for summer 2027. That’s the timeline for the plan.”

He said construction should begin around Q2, during the spring or summer season. The council already has a pontoon in storage, he added. “We have the pontoon already. We have a pontoon in storage, so it’s ready to go.”

The project has a long history. Cllr Neil Cruise said it began in 2016 and had encountered a number of difficulties along the way, but he welcomed the progress made.

“There have been a lot of issues with this project, but it’s great to see planning proposed for this today,” said Cllr Cruise. He noted that no submissions were received on the proposal, which he described as welcome.

“There has been a lot of dialogue about this in the past, but I say today is a positive day. I welcome it with open arms.”

If the timeline holds, the pontoon would give kayakers and paddlers direct access to the River Moy from the centre of Foxford this summer.