Minister Tony Killeen opens new Ballyvaughan Slipway

Minister for Labour Affairs Mr. Tony Killeen T.D., officially opened the new Ballyvaughan Slipway, on Friday 18^th November 2005.

Speaking at the opening the Minister said, “I am very pleased to be here today to perform the official opening of the new slipway at Ballyvaughan Pier. It is an important new development for the people of Ballyvaughan. The water in Ballyvaughan Bay is ideal for growing oysters, mussels and the like, and should be able to achieve Class A status in the near future. The potential for development for aquaculture is limitless and the provision of this facility in no small way will allow this to happen.

The new slipway qualified for both Government and EU Funding under the National Development Plan 2000-2006 and also includes a contribution from Clare County Council. Work was started in 2004 and was completed earlier this year at a cost of €431,000.

“The design of the project was carried out by the Engineering Division of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources in Galway and was constructed on a direct labour basis. The slipway and associated ancillary works will provide a much needed infrastructural boost to the aquaculture industry in the area and it will also have huge amenity value” the Minister added

The slipway is designed to provide berthage on both sides, this will allow boats to come alongside and unload their catch in much more user friendly way than was possible is the past, as the boat will always be level with the pier surface. This type of slipway is more more accessible than an ordinary pier as it does away with hauling up shellfish at a distance of 18 feet on a spring tide.

“This slipway will allow local fishermen to access the French/Belgium market more easily as they will be no longer showing potential buyers a craggy shore as their landing place, but this purpose built slipway. I would like to thank the Engineering staff of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources who were responsible for the successful completion of this much needed facility”, the Minister concluded

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