There is disappointment after a call for a safety barrier for the slipway for Rathmullan has been turned down by Donegal County Council.
The barrier was originally sought by Councillor Pauric McGarvey in January 2024.
The council now says it cannot consider such a measure for Rathmullan slipway on its own “without considering all of the slipways in its control”.
The council also said it would be challenging to control barriers where there is no permanent presence of council staff.
A disappointed Cllr McGarvey said that lessons must be learned from the Buncrana pier tragedy.
“Buncrana pier has a similar slipway and a gate, I don’t see any issue with having a gate installed in Rathmullan”, Cllr McGarvey told Donegal Daily.
Five family members tragically lost their lives when their car slid off Buncrana pier in March 2016.
Cllr McGarvey said that the dangers of green algae and sea debris on open slipways cannot be overlooked.
He says there should be no difference in safety measures between Buncrana and Rathmullan, which are connected by the Lough Swilly Ferry.
“The two slips replicate each other on either side of the Swilly,” Cllr McGarvey said. “The Rathmullan slip replicates the slip in Buncrana and it’s clear the dangers are there.”
The Independent councillor has pledged to raise the matter with the council again.
“I think that the answer from the council wasn’t thought out, and I will keep on it until we get some resolution to closing off the slip,” he said. “If needs be, there should be a gate on all the slipways.”
“People say it’s common sense not to drive down, but people do it. All that I am asking for is a simple barrier with a padded lock, that the local people could have access to.”
Cllr McGarvey added that he will be seeking the support of the ferry operators on the operation of the barrier, as it would also help to control queues.
Cllr McGarvey has also requested that a barrier be placed at the Quay in Ramelton after recent incidents of vehicles slipping into the water.
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