Thousands sign petition to designate Clare pier for swimming

A PETITION is calling for a disused pier in West Clare to be re-designated for bathing.

6,070 people have signed the petition which calls for the old pier in Doolin to be officially re-designated as a bathing sot by Clare County Council.

The pier and surrounding area have long been used for swimming and other water activities by locals. 

However signs were erected earlier this year which indicated that swimming was not advised in the area, despite it having previously been designated as one, with the council stationing a lifeguard at the pier up until 2014.

A ‘Call to Action’ community day took place at the pier earlier this month, which attracted hundreds of water sports enthusiasts to the north Clare pier.

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The petition has been presented to the council by local swimmer Leigh O'Connell, of the Doolin Swimmers group.

The group is calling for facilities for swimmers and other water users to be added at the pier, including  ladders, railings and changing facilities. An online petition has also gathered over 1,100 signatures.

Ferry operators out of Doolin use the new pier, was completed over a decade ago, for travelling to the Aran Islands.

The council is presently running a public participation process to identify bathing waters in the county, which closes on September 28.