WATCH: waves crash over vehicles on ‘death trap’ Mayo Pier

Serious safety concerns have been raised once again at Roonagh Pier, where islanders and public representatives are warning that lives are at risk unless long-awaited upgrade works are carried out without delay.

The alarm follows damage to several vehicles earlier this week after high winds battered the pier, prompting Midlands North-West MEP Ciaran Mullooly to renew his call for immediate intervention. He is backing Independent Ireland councillor Chris Maxwell and local residents who say they have been highlighting dangers at the facility for years.

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At the centre of their concerns are the dangerously narrow access road leading to the pier and the exposed nature of the quay itself. Islanders say that despite available space, the road remains perilously tight for daily traffic, while the pier continues to suffer from inadequate reinforcement against rough seas.

Steps and moorings, described as being in poor repair, become treacherous in bad weather, creating hazards for ferries and fishing boats attempting to dock. Locals have also repeated demands for a protective barrier to block high waves, after a number of incidents in which surging seas have overtopped the wall, flooding the car park and damaging vehicles.

Clare Islander Carl O’Malley has previously described the pier as a ‘deathtrap.’

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Speaking after this week’s storm damage, MEP Mullooly said the situation has now reached a critical point. “This is not just about infrastructure,” he warned. “It is about the safety and well-being of two island communities who rely on Roonagh daily — fishermen, schoolchildren, healthcare workers, and visitors. If delays continue, the consequences could be tragic. We are even seeing dramatic footage on social media of waves crashing over the wall and engulfing cars. We cannot wait until we are confronted with the headline of a fatality to act — that would be unforgivable.”

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Islanders have also pressed for the appointment of a dedicated marine engineer to oversee works at Roonagh and other island piers. Mullooly insists both the Government and Mayo County Council must move without delay.

“I am waiting for Mayo County Council to submit the brief and outline to government for this to proceed,”  said. “The preparatory work on the project must be awarded immediately. Islanders cannot wait for another winter of storms.”

A spokesperson for Minister Dara Calleary confirmed to The Mayo News that the Minister is "supportive of an additional marine engineer for Mayo Country Council, being cognisant of the fact that there is already a marine engineer in Mayo Co Co who does great work. The Minister looks forward to working with Mayo County Council on all of these issues."

"There are a number of island and pier projects that need urgent attention, and Roonagh is top of that list."