Eamon Bradshaw, CEO of the Harbour Company in Galway, closed the slipway in the city the day after five people from the same family died here in Co Donegal.
His move was supported by many people in the city – but he has also faced criticism. He tried to introduce a locking system with boat clubs getting passcodes to get in and out – but that didn’t work, he said.
“The issue I have is one of life and death. It’s pretty steep, it’s remote and it goes down into deep water. I just could not take that risk of anybody being in danger. The repercussions would be too severe,” said Mr Bradshaw.
“We are acutely aware that Galway should have a slipway and the facility should be made available and we’re trying to find a solution. If anyone wants to come to me with a solution, I’d be delighted to hear it.
“For the first week after we closed it, we gave the code to specific people – within a matter of hours, everybody had the combination, and other people didn’t bother closing it after them.
“Until such time as we can formulate a solution where the danger is taken out, or regulated, or we can involve the local authority, it will be closed. I’m not prepared to risk human life.
“If anybody wants to use it, they can come to the Harbour Company from 9 to 5 or make arrangements with a member of staff for a Saturday,” said Mr Bradshaw.
Sailing clubs which use the slipway were told by the Harbour Company that they no longer have open access.
The slipway has been locked, and can only be used with the permission of the Harbour Company between 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, or on Saturdays by appointment, to avoid any “risk to life”.
The decision has been branded “ridiculous” by members of some of the clubs using the slipway – while others are said to be happy with the restricted access.
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